Latest Update of Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse Whereby a Worker Has Been Found Dead

Yesterday, a building structure at Tanjong Pagar collapsed. A worker was reported missing, all work are ordered to stop at the site and SCDF searched through the night.

Here’s the latest update in the Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse, including what has happened since.

Latest Update of Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse Whereby a Worker Has Been Found Dead

At 4pm on 16 June 2023, SCDF posted an update on their Facebook page, revealing that a worker was reported missing.

SCDF officers from the 1st Division (Marina Bay Fire Station) and Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) were deployed along with two search dogs to perform rescue operations.

20YO Worker Pronounced Dead on the Scene

At around 6pm, the rescuers managed to find the 20-year-old Indian national worker pinned under a reinforced concrete structure.

According to SCDF’s Facebook post, DART officers dug through the rubble to find out which body parts were keeping the worker trapped. Meanwhile, SCDF officers carried out cutting and breaking operations to free the worker.

They managed to free the worker at around 9:45pm and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Search Continues Throughout The Night Just in Case

Even though all workers has been accounted for after the missing worker was found, SCDF decided to continue with search efforts “to be certain”.

They had checked through CCTV footages from surrounding buildings, as well as used a fibre optic scope, life detection equipment and deployed search canines to detect for any signs of life.

With the help of heavy construction machineries onsite, the SCDF confirmed that there is no one else left trapped in the building collapse.

tanjong pagar collapse heavy machinery rescue efforts
Image: Facebook (Singapore Civil Defence Force)

At 8am on 17 June 2023, the SCDF announced the end of their search and rescue operations.

Police investigations are ongoing, it added.

For the operation, SCDF deployed 11 vehicles and 70 officers to the scene.

Support Being Rendered to Workers in Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse

The Fuji Xerox Building was being redeveloped into a mixed-used development called Newport Plaza by City Developments Limited (CDL).

Speaking to CNA, the developer expressed their condolences over the matter and stated that they are rendering support to affected workers.

It is also working with Aik Sun, the employer of the late worker, to offer assistance to his family.

The developer has also stated its intention to “cooperate fully” with the authorities.

Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse: All Work Ordered to Stop

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released a statement on the Tanjong Pagar Building Collapse after 9pm.

It was revealed that a reinforced concrete wall from the second floor fell onto the street during demolition works, a stop work order was given.

Permit for all works has been revoked and everyone involved in the project were ordered to halt while investigations are ongoing.

A professional engineer was also engaged to review the site and the rest of the building was structurally sound.