“Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse: Worker Found Dead; MOM and BCA Halt All Construction Activities”

SINGAPORE – An Indian worker was discovered dead under the debris after part of the Fuji Xerox Towers in Tanjong Pagar collapsed during demolition activities. Rescue workers recovered the body late Thursday night following over six hours of intensive search and rescue operations, with the worker trapped approximately 2 meters beneath the rubble.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that the worker was found pinned under the collapsed reinforced concrete structure around 6 PM, with no signs of life. The collapse involved a reinforced concrete wall measuring about 10 meters long and 3.8 meters high, which fell onto the street.

Emergency responders, including 11 vehicles and 70 personnel, were deployed to the site after the SCDF was alerted to the incident at approximately 2 PM. The weight of the concrete slab, estimated to exceed 50 tonnes, complicated rescue efforts. The worker’s body was finally recovered at around 9:45 PM.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced that all construction activities would be halted, and permits for the project would be revoked while investigations continue. They emphasized the importance of systematic demolition plans to prevent such accidents in the future.

The demolition work at Fuji Xerox Towers has been ongoing since February 2022, and the project’s main contractor is Woh Hup, with Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering as the employer of the deceased worker.

Witnesses nearby reported feeling tremors during the incident, with some stating they heard loud bangs and saw dust and smoke in the area. Eyewitnesses described a sense of urgency as police and emergency services cordoned off the site and responded to the emergency.

As the investigation unfolds, both MOM and BCA are focused on ensuring safety protocols are followed to prevent future incidents.