A mezzanine floor and storage racks collapsed inside a warehouse unit at Toa Payoh Industrial Park on Tuesday, Jan 28, trapping four people under piles of rugs. Among them were two children.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident at approximately 5:50 PM. Firefighters from Bishan Fire Station, along with specialist rescuers from the SCDF’s Special Response Unit and Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team, were deployed to the scene.
Dramatic Rescue Mission by SCDF
Upon arrival, SCDF personnel were informed that one of the four trapped individuals had managed to free himself and call for help. He informed rescuers that three others remained trapped beneath the collapsed storage racks and rugs.
Given the scale of the collapse—covering an area of about 20 meters by 10 meters—SCDF deployed search dogs to locate the missing victims. Firefighters and rescuers meticulously worked their way through piles of heavy rugs, cutting through storage racks to reach the trapped individuals.
The operation, which lasted around 90 minutes, successfully freed all three remaining victims, including the two children.
All Victims Conscious, Taken to Hospitals
Once rescued, the four victims were assessed and transported to hospitals for further treatment. The two adults were taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, while the two children were sent to KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Fortunately, all four were conscious throughout the ordeal.
Authorities Investigate Cause of Collapse
The cause of the mezzanine floor and storage rack collapse remains unknown at this stage. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the warehouse’s structural integrity and safety compliance.
Safety Concerns in Industrial Facilities
This incident highlights potential safety risks in industrial and storage facilities. Warehouses that utilize mezzanine structures and heavy storage racks must ensure they are built to withstand significant weight and stress. Overloading and improper maintenance can lead to catastrophic failures, posing severe risks to workers and visitors.
SCDF’s Swift Response Prevents Tragedy
The SCDF's quick and well-coordinated response played a crucial role in preventing further harm. Their use of search dogs, specialized cutting equipment, and trained rescue personnel ensured that the trapped victims were freed efficiently.
Their heroic efforts once again underscore the importance of emergency preparedness and the capabilities of Singapore’s first responders in handling complex rescue operations.
Conclusion
The Toa Payoh warehouse collapse incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by structural failures in industrial areas. While all victims were fortunate to survive, it raises critical questions about safety regulations and preventive measures.
Authorities will now look into the cause of the collapse to prevent similar accidents in the future, ensuring the safety of workers and visitors in such environments.
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