Incident Overview

In a shocking incident on March 11, a massive 27-meter-long external metal structure collapsed from the Inspace building in Bartley, narrowly avoiding an employee on the ground floor. The terrifying scene unfolded when the heavy architectural feature plummeted to the street below, scattering debris across the road at 24 New Industrial Road.

CCTV Footage Reveals Close Call

Video footage captured from a ceiling camera inside the employee’s office reveals the harrowing moment. As a thunderous crash echoed, the employee instinctively leaped backward, just avoiding the falling debris that crashed to the ground moments later. This narrow escape highlights the sheer danger the situation posed, raising serious questions about building safety protocols.

BCA's Response

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed that they received reports from the police regarding the incident. They described the fallen structure as a "strip of architectural feature" that detached from the roof and struck a facade on the fifth floor. The resulting damages left parts of the strip precariously hanging and additional debris littering the area below.

Safety Measures Implemented

In response, the BCA cordoned off the area directly beneath the affected section for safety. They have mandated that the building owner's contractors remove any remaining loose pieces to prevent further accidents. Additionally, the BCA has ordered the building owner to hire a professional engineer to investigate the cause of the collapse and assess the overall integrity of the building.

Impact on Tenants

This incident has caused significant disruption for tenants within Inspace. One tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the lack of communication from the building management, stating they were only instructed not to use the ground-floor entrances and exits. Moreover, another tenant, at Everyday Curtains, reported that their business was severely impacted, leading to the cancellation of all appointments for the day due to the debris blocking access to their unit.

Management Response

Reports have indicated that security personnel from the building were seen attempting to clear the debris, raising concerns about the readiness of the management to handle such crises effectively.

About Inspace

Inspace, developed by SLB Development subsidiary SLB-Oxley (NIR), was completed just last year and consists of 84 units spread across eight floors—a modern light industrial and office space. As investigations continue, all eyes are on the building management to ensure the safety of its tenants and the surrounding community.

Looking Ahead

Authorities are reminding businesses and residents in the area to remain vigilant, as the repercussions of this incident may lead to broader safety evaluations of similar structures across Singapore. The question on everyone’s mind now: what led to this terrifying collapse, and could it happen again? Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.