8-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) Two shophouse units in Singapore’s vibrant Little India district partially collapsed, resulting in injuries to six individuals. The event, which occurred on Syed Alwi Road, prompted an immediate response from emergency services and has left the local community in shock.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident at approximately 1:30 am, involving two double-storey units at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road. These addresses are known to house Paakashala Singapore, a popular vegetarian Indian restaurant, and Nirja Mega Mart, respectively.
Upon arrival at the scene, SCDF personnel launched a comprehensive search operation to determine if anyone was trapped beneath the debris. In a display of their advanced capabilities, the SCDF deployed two specially trained search dogs and a drone to augment their efforts.
In a dramatic turn of events, firefighters successfully rescued an individual from the second floor of the affected shophouse at 84 Syed Alwi Road. The person, unable to evacuate due to a blocked staircase, was safely brought down using a ladder.
Reports from bystanders of a loud blast during the incident prompted the SCDF to take additional precautionary measures. A firefighting machine was deployed to disperse any potential build-up of flammable gases using its water mist spray function.
Of the six individuals injured in the incident, two were assessed by paramedics for minor injuries and subsequently transported to Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further treatment. The remaining four individuals, also sustaining minor injuries, declined hospital treatment.
The incident was partially captured on social media when netizen Qristal Adrianna was livestreaming on Facebook at approximately 1:20 am. The video footage, which quickly circulated online, captured the immediate aftermath of the collapse. Ambulance sirens can be heard in the background as bystanders gather near the affected units, with shattered glass visible on the ground.
The partial collapse has caused significant disruption to the area, with part of the one-lane road adjacent to the units blocked due to the commotion and ongoing emergency response.
