Shocking Incident in Singapore's Orchard Road

In a dramatic turn of events on Friday, September 12, visitors of the bustling Liat Towers in Orchard Road witnessed a ceiling collapse that left three individuals injured and rushed to hospital.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) swung into action after receiving an emergency call around 4 PM, dispatching paramedics to the scene. Two victims were transported to Singapore General Hospital, while another was taken to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

Chaos Unfolds Outside Starbucks

When news crews arrived at approximately 6 PM, the area outside the Starbucks at Liat Towers was cordoned off, with the fallen false ceiling lying wrecked on the ground. Witnesses reported seeing police officers surveying the scene, while the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) assured that the structural integrity of the building remained intact.

According to early findings by the BCA, the disaster was localized and likely stemmed from improper ceiling installation. Eyewitnesses recounted the shocking moment the structure gave way, with one patron noting it happened in what felt like a single explosive moment.

Eyewitness Accounts: A Day of Fear and Heroism

Ms. Czandrya Cheong, who was at a nearby café, described the terrifying scene as she heard a loud thud and rushed outside. "We all came out and saw the ceiling half-fallen. We immediately went to help the people underneath," she recounted, highlighting the bravery of patrons who jumped into action to assist those trapped.

Another witness, Mr. Denzel Tear, was studying at Starbucks when disaster struck. He described the panic as he noticed injuries among those affected, including a pregnant woman who narrowly escaped the collapse. His quick-thinking response included calling for an ambulance.

Community Rallies Together in Response

Attendees reportedly helped hold up the dislodged ceiling to aid trapped individuals, demonstrating remarkable community spirit amidst chaos. Emergency services, including firefighters and police, arrived on the scene within minutes of the collapse.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Tear shared that although he had never faced such a situation before, his instinct to help kicked in instantly. Similarly, Cheong expressed her disbelief, stating, "I never thought something like this could happen in Singapore." Their stories capture the mix of shock and urgency that enveloped the scene.

An Ongoing Investigation

KK Women's and Children's Hospital has not disclosed specific details regarding the injured patients due to privacy regulations. As the investigation unfolds, additional queries have been directed to SGH and building management Bonvests Holdings, along with popular tenants like Starbucks and Shake Shack.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk even in the most unexpected circumstances, leaving the community shaken but resilient as they process the day's dramatic events.