Skip to main content

Woman Rescued from Sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road

 




On July 26, 2025, a sinkhole suddenly formed on Tanjong Katong Road South at around 5:50pm, causing a car to plunge into the collapsed section of the road. The female driver was swiftly rescued by nearby workers and later sent conscious to Raffles Hospital for further observation. She was reported to be experiencing muscular pain but was in stable condition.

The incident occurred near a Public Utilities Board (PUB) worksite and caused the closure of Tanjong Katong Road South between Mountbatten Road and East Coast Parkway. This closure led to the diversion of public bus services 36 and 48, affecting stops along Marine Parade, Amber, Mountbatten, and Tanjong Katong roads. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has not yet provided a confirmed date for the completion of repairs.

According to preliminary assessments by PUB, the sinkhole measured approximately 2 to 3 meters deep and was as wide as two lanes. PUB, LTA, and the Building and Construction Authority are closely monitoring the situation and overseeing the repair work to ensure public safety. Workers began pumping water out of the sinkhole on July 27 in preparation for retrieving the submerged car. Authorities stated that this extraction had to be carried out slowly to observe ground stability during the process.

Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC MP Goh Pei Ming and Mountbatten MP Gho Sze Kee visited the site on July 27. Mr Goh emphasized that the ground was assessed to be stable, and repair work would continue cautiously. He added that the authorities were aiming to restore the road before the start of the workweek on July 28, although no exact timeline was confirmed.

Residents reported disruptions to water supply following the incident. PUB acknowledged receiving feedback from about 18 households and deployed water wagons and distributed water bags. By 2:30am on July 27, water supply was fully restored.

Concerns over safety were raised by several residents living near the site. Some reported hearing a loud booming sound just before the sinkhole formed, while others recalled a burst pipe gushing water from the nearby worksite at around midnight on the same day. A healthcare worker, Ms Mathilda Lam, described seeing what looked like a "huge fountain" from the junction hours before the incident.

Although PUB officials confirmed there was no major disruption to water supply, some households did experience lower pressure. PUB has since initiated ground-penetrating radar scans to ensure there are no other hidden underground cavities that could pose additional risks. Recovery operations include draining the sinkhole, extracting the vehicle, and stabilizing and refilling the affected section of road.

Director for PUB’s water reclamation network, Mr Herman Ching, stated that safety of workers remains a top priority during this operation. Investigations into the root cause of the sinkhole are ongoing, though a definitive explanation has yet to be confirmed.

As recovery efforts continued, some residents remained concerned about the structural integrity of the surrounding area. Others appeared less alarmed, continuing with daily activities such as playing tennis and hosting barbeques nearby. Despite the varied reactions, calls for assurance from authorities and condominium management have grown louder, especially among residents living in nearby high-rise blocks like One Amber.

This incident highlights the fragility of ground infrastructure amid ongoing construction activity and raises questions about preventive measures, inspection protocols, and rapid response preparedness.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...