SAF Leopard tank knocks traffic light askew as it turns into North Bridge Road
Due to a technical issue, a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) tank came into contact with a traffic light stand as it attempted to turn right onto North Bridge Road.
The incident was caught in a video posted by SG Road Vigilante on Facebook, which has drawn more than 280,000 views and 1,500 reactions.
Tank attempts to turn right into North Bridge Road
In the clip, taken on Saturday (5 July), a Leopard tank with a military licence plate is seen travelling down Parliament Place.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
As part of North Bridge Road was closed to vehicular traffic due to the National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 National Education Show 2 at the Padang, the tank attempted to turn right into the portion of the road in front of the Supreme Court that was still accessible.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
However, its turning angle was too wide and it headed directly for the corner of the pavement.
Tank appears to knock traffic light stand askew
A crashing sound was heard, as well as the sound of spectators going, “Ohhh!”
The camera panned towards the sound, and a set of traffic lights in front of the tank was noticeably tilted to one side.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
However, it appeared to still be working as the lights could still change.
Tank takes some time to drive away
After the incident, the tank took some time to drive away.
While it managed to reverse quickly, the driver seemed to be having trouble steering the tank in the correct direction and it stayed at the junction for a while.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
After the video skipped forward, the tank had righted itself and finally drove down North Bridge Road as intended.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
Later, personnel who looked like they were from the organising committee were seen inspecting the damage and taking photos.
Source: SG Road Vigilante on Facebook
Most netizens are forgiving, some suggest mechanical failure
Among the more than 500 comments on the post, some netizens had negative reactions, saying the driver would face punishment.
Source: Facebook
However, many commenters were inclined to be forgiving towards the driver, saying that mistakes happen and that it was more important that no one got hurt.
Source: Facebook
One was of the opinion that this is the reason why rehearsals take place — to learn from mistakes.
Source: Facebook
A number of contributors, including those who said they were former technicians, also suggested that the incident was due to a mechanical failure.
Source: Facebook
Tank experienced ‘a technical issue’: MINDEF
A Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) spokesperson confirmed that the incident occurred on the stated date at 7.22pm.
“A Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) experienced a technical issue following the Mobile Column segment of the National Day Parade 2025 National Education (NE) Show 2,” the spokesperson said, adding that this resulted in the incident along North Bridge Road, where the tank came into contact with a traffic light.
No injuries were reported following the incident. The Leopard tank — which was travelling within the speed limit of 20km/h — also remained in the cordoned area, away from the public.
“The tank crew responded in accordance with standard operating procedures and the L2SG was safely recovered with no damage to the vehicle,” MINDEF said.
Additionally, the traffic light stand sustained only minor damage.
MINDEF and the NDP 2025 Executive Committee collaborated with the Land Transport Authority to complete the necessary repairs following the incident.
Investigations are ongoing.
Also read: SAF servicemen injured during Australia exercise rejoin unit after receiving medical care
SAF servicemen injured during Australia exercise rejoin unit after receiving medical care
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from SG Road Vigilante on Facebook.
