A 69-year-old woman was rescued after falling into a drain more than three metres deep near Block 698B Hougang Street 61 on Tuesday (July 14).
The incident, which reportedly took place at around 11.45am, drew the attention of dozens of passers-by and required a rescue operation involving multiple Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel.
According to Chinese-language daily Shin Min Daily News, the woman had been out for breakfast with her 43-year-old daughter before the accident occurred.
The daughter reportedly said they were walking near the drain when she noticed a pedestrian crossing signal turn green and attempted to hurry across the road. Her mother allegedly scolded her for rushing instead of waiting patiently.
Shortly afterwards, the older woman reportedly sat on a railing beside the drain before losing her balance and falling into it.
Passers-by rushed to help
Witnesses said the incident quickly attracted a crowd of around 40 to 50 people.
One nearby shop worker told Shin Min that a man believed to be a food delivery rider climbed into the drain carrying an umbrella to shield the woman from the scorching midday sun while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Another delivery rider who witnessed the incident said the woman remained conscious and was able to communicate with those around her. He added that she did not appear to have suffered any obvious injuries.
Paramedics later fitted the woman with a neck brace as rescuers worked to bring her to safety. The entire rescue operation reportedly lasted about 30 minutes.
Husband says woman suffered minor injuries
The woman’s 71-year-old husband told Shin Min that their daughter has a low IQ and was unsure how to react after witnessing her mother fall into the drain.
He explained that his wife had taken their daughter out for a meal while he accompanied their son to a hospital follow-up appointment.
According to him, his wife escaped with only minor injuries despite the significant fall.
Reports indicated the drain was fitted with railings and measured more than three metres from the top of the barrier to the bottom.
At least nine SCDF personnel were seen entering the drain during the rescue operation. The woman was secured onto a stretcher before being carefully lifted towards a ladder and brought out.
Woman taken to hospital
In response to media queries, both the SCDF and Singapore Police Force confirmed they received a call for assistance near Block 698B Hougang Street 61 on July 14.
Emergency responders found a person lying inside the drain upon arrival. SCDF officers used a ladder to gain access and successfully rescued the woman.
She was subsequently taken conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for treatment.
Police added that the woman was later apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News