A “freak accident” took place in Yishun on Saturday (2 May) that involved a metal bar falling onto an HDB block in Yishun and punching a hole in its roof.
The implement came from the worksite of the neighbouring Chong Pang City, which has since stopped construction, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) in a press release the day after.
Source: K Shanmugam Sc on Facebook
The metal bar fell during dismantling works at an upper floor of Chong Pang City, a nine-storey integrated development set to open in 2027.
Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, posting about the incident on Facebook, said the beam “slipped in an unexpected way”.
Investigations are ongoing to find out how it happened, he added.
The metal bar fell onto Block 103 Yishun Ring Road, a four-storey block next to the site, SLA said.
It damaged part of the roof along the common corridor.
Mr Shanmugam, who is also an MP for Nee Soon GRC, said that as the metal bar fell, it “punched a hole” through the roof of the block.
Source: K Shanmugam Sc on Facebook
No injuries were reported, and no flats sustained damage to their interiors.
SLA assured that the roof’s overall structure is “intact and safe”, as assessed by a professional engineer.
While the affected area is cordoned off as a precaution, residents may use the common area and access the corridor, it said.
The authorities will carry out rectification works as soon as possible, SLA noted, with Mr Shanmugam adding that some temporary works had already been done.
Source: K Shanmugam Sc on Facebook
Meanwhile, a stop-work order has been issued for Chong Pang City as a full investigation is being conducted into the incident.
The development’s Topping Out Ceremony — marking the completion of the building’s structure — took place on 18 April, according to SLA. It was attended by Mr Shanmugam and other Nee Soon MPs.
Source: Goh Hanyan on Facebook
Its main contractor, Rich Construction Company Pte Ltd, is currently working with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has also asked for a full report, Mr Shanmugam said, and he has asked SLA and the contractors to do it “as soon as possible”.
A “coordinated response team” comprising SLA, HDB, Nee Soon Town Council, grassroots leaders and the contractor was on site on Saturday night to assess the situation, he added.
The minister said residents have been provided with support, with every house in the block to be visited and assured that:
That is not an HDB roof problem; it’s a freak accident that happened because of a neighbouring construction taking place.
Source: K Shanmugam Sc on Facebook
SLA said that it is “monitoring the situation closely” and will work with agencies to ensure the safety of residents and the surrounding area.
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Featured image adapted from K Shanmugam Sc on Facebook.