A woman has sued Sheng Siong and one of its employees for negligence after she was allegedly struck from behind by a trolley carrying bags of rice at one of the supermarket chain’s Clementi outlets.
The incident allegedly happened on 11 March 2021 at Sheng Siong’s Clementi West Street 2 outlet.
According to court documents seen by CNA, Ms Dong Lihua claims the collision injured her left foot and back. Sheng Siong denies that it or its employee was negligent and argues that Ms Dong’s own actions caused or contributed to the accident.
The case remains pending before the State Courts.
Woman Says Trolley Hit Her From Behind
According to Ms Dong’s statement of claim, she was shopping at the supermarket at around 10am when an employee pushing a trolley loaded with several bags of rice struck her from behind.
She said the trolley hit the back of her left foot as well as her back. The incident was allegedly captured by the supermarket’s CCTV system.
A Sheng Siong branch manager subsequently accompanied her to a nearby clinic, according to her claim. She later sought further treatment at Clementi Polyclinic and the National University Hospital.
Ms Dong alleges that she suffered bruising, swelling and an abrasion to her left foot, as well as bruising to her heel.
She also claims the incident worsened an existing degenerative condition in her lower back and that she subsequently suffered chronic pain syndrome and depression.
These medical effects form part of Ms Dong’s case and have not been established by the court.
She Is Seeking Medical Costs and Other Damages
CNA reported that Ms Dong is claiming S$9,309.74 in medical expenses and S$1,783.95 in transport costs.
She is also seeking damages for pain, suffering and the impact of the alleged injuries on her daily life, along with future medical and transport expenses. Those additional amounts would be determined by the court if awarded.
Ms Dong alleges that the employee pushed the trolley too quickly, failed to keep a proper lookout and did not slow down or avoid hitting her.
She also argues that Sheng Siong should be held responsible for its employee’s alleged negligence and claims the supermarket failed to provide sufficient walkway space, proper training and adequate supervision.
Sheng Siong Says Woman Entered Trolley’s Path
Sheng Siong disputes her version of events.
According to its defence, several sacks of rice had been delivered to the supermarket that day and were loaded onto a trolley measuring 155cm tall and 122cm long.
The company said its employee was pushing the trolley towards the fruit section when Ms Dong came out from an aisle and moved into the trolley’s path.
Sheng Siong contends that she failed to notice the trolley or take sufficient action to avoid it. It argues that her own negligence caused or contributed to the collision.
The supermarket also disputes whether the injuries, losses and expenses claimed by Ms Dong were caused by negligence on the part of the company or its employee.
Ms Dong’s statement of claim is dated 5 March 2024, while Sheng Siong’s defence is dated 18 July 2024.
The State Courts had not ruled on which side was liable as of 10 September 2026.
