Concrete Slab the Size of a Brick Allegedly Fell into Chai Chee Eatery from Top of HDB Block

“How would you like some concrete with your meal?”

Or at least, that’s what life seemed to ask when a concrete slab nearly fell on two patrons at a Chai Chee Prata shop.

Concrete Slab the Size of a Brick Allegedly Fell into Chai Chee Eatery from Top of HDB Block

Two patrons got the shock of their lives when an unwelcome visitor came crashing landing on above.

No, not Son Ye-jin. A concrete slab.

Shattering upon impact, the slab broke into thick chunks of concrete which went flying across the floor.

One chunk was allegedly as large as a fist.

The incident reportedly occurred at 10am on Tuesday (10 November).

According to Lianhe Wanbao, two patrons were dining at the outdoor area of Khan Saab Restaurant at Block 55, Chai Chee Drive, when a loud noise could be heard above them.

Looking up, they saw a brick-sized cement slab on its way down.

It crashed through the awning, narrowly missing them in the process.

From The 12th Floor

According to Lianhe Wanbao, the cement block may have fallen from the 12th floor of the HDB block.

This is evident from the edge of the ceiling in the 12th floor, which appears to have torn off.

Pieces of concrete can also be seen on the floor, which happens to overlook the eatery’s awning.

Symptoms of water damage could also be seen from other parts of the ceiling.

This could mean future instances of falling concrete, which could prove hazarduous and dangerous in the long run.

According to Lianhe Wanbao, the awning is believed to have been a reason why the diners were not hit by the concrete slab.

“Had it not been for the cover, the diners sitting outside could have been hit,” the owner of the eatery said.

Indeed, had the awning not been in place, consequences could have proved disastrous.

Repair Works

Thankfully, Marine Parade Town Council has since caught wind of the situation, and has cordoned off the area.

According to AsiaOne, they have sent engineers to the site to investigate.

Repair work will be done in line with the engineers’ recommendations.

Previous Instances

Though exceedingly rare, cases of concrete falling are not entirely non-existent.

Earlier this year, a young boy was happily playing with water in his HDB flat when the concrete in the ceiling gave way.

A chunk of concrete ended up falling on the boy’s back.

And some time ago, in a separate incident, a large slab of concrete fell on a toilet bowl in an HDB flat.

According to HDB’s official website, they have actually cited spalling concrete as a common issue, especially for older buildings.

It is said that “it is largely caused by carbonation, a natural deterioration process. This causes the steel bars embedded in the ceiling slab to corrode, which in turn causes the concrete cover to crack and bulge.

“As the owner, you are responsible for the repair of any spalling concrete in your flat.”

Featured Image: Facebook (COMPLAINT SINGAPORE)