A woman was hospitalized after her car plunged into a water-filled sinkhole that suddenly opened up on a busy road in Singapore on Saturday evening, July 26. The incident occurred around 5 PM on Tanjong Katong Road South, according to a report by Channel News Asia.
Road Collapse Near Active Worksite
Singapore’s National Water Agency, known as PUB (Public Utilities Board), reported that the road collapse happened near one of its active worksites. As a precaution, the affected area has been cordoned off while repair and investigation works are underway.
PUB confirmed that one woman was rescued from the sinkhole and immediately taken to Raffles Hospital for treatment. “One vehicle fell into the sinkhole. The Singapore Civil Defence Force rescued the female driver and conveyed her, conscious, to Raffles Hospital,” PUB stated. “Two water mains were damaged in the incident. PUB is isolating the affected water mains,” it added.
Dramatic Rescue Operations
Dramatic visuals shared on social media displayed the car almost entirely submerged in the gaping hole, with water rapidly filling the sinkhole around it. The force of the collapse left the front end of the car barely visible, triggering concern and disbelief online.
Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, a site foreman, reported hearing a sudden noise and witnessing the sinkhole forming. He quickly instructed three workers to toss a nylon rope into the hole. The woman opened her car door and reached for the rope, allowing workers to pull her up until she was close enough to the edge to be lifted out.
Traffic and Water Supply Disruptions
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the road collapse, but are actively investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore confirmed its assistance with the repair works. “All roads from both bounds are now closed as a precautionary measure,” stated the LTA. “Motorists are advised to take alternative routes during this time.”
Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, expressed concern over the “serious incident,” directing PUB to thoroughly investigate the cause of the sinkhole opening. Meanwhile, residents in nearby neighborhoods have reported disruptions to their water supply due to the incident.
