On July 21, a cement truck accident caused a significant disruption in the Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) tunnel, blocking three lanes and drawing emergency response from multiple agencies. The accident occurred in the direction of the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway, near the East Coast Parkway exit, at approximately 5:30pm.
According to a video posted online, the cement truck had crashed into the tunnel wall. The footage showed the left side of the truck’s cabin tilted and lodged against the side of the tunnel. Several light-coloured wall panels had been dislodged or broken from the impact. The scene revealed extensive damage and an immediate traffic bottleneck within the tunnel.
Emergency responders, including officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Singapore Police Force, were quickly dispatched to the scene. A Land Transport Authority (LTA) motorcycle officer was also spotted on site, along with two tow trucks and several other vehicles attempting to manage the situation. Uniformed personnel were seen speaking to a group of workers on the road shoulder, coordinating traffic and recovery operations.
SCDF personnel assessed one individual at the scene for minor injuries. However, the person declined to be taken to the hospital and did not require further medical attention. The police reported that the cement truck is believed to have skidded before colliding with the tunnel wall.
The driver of the cement truck, a 43-year-old man, is currently assisting with police investigations. Authorities have not released the name of the company operating the vehicle. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident, including whether road conditions, driver error, or mechanical failure played a role in the incident.
The accident occurred during peak evening hours, significantly affecting traffic flow through one of Singapore’s critical underground expressways. With three lanes blocked, motorists reported heavy congestion in the area, and authorities urged drivers to avoid the tunnel and seek alternative routes.
The impact of the crash serves as a stark reminder of how a single vehicle incident can cause massive disruption in high-traffic areas, especially in confined spaces like tunnels. The presence of heavy vehicles such as cement trucks in such zones heightens the risk when accidents occur, not only due to their size and weight but also because of the potential complications during recovery.
This incident also raises questions about safety practices and emergency preparedness for large vehicle operators navigating underground roads. The police have yet to confirm whether any charges will be filed against the driver or whether violations of transport safety regulations were involved.
As of now, no additional injuries have been reported, and clean-up and restoration efforts are believed to be ongoing to repair the damage to the tunnel’s infrastructure. The authorities are expected to release further updates once investigations are concluded.
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