A terrifying high-rise incident unfolded at Raffles City Tower on Monday morning (21 July), where two workers found themselves dangling nearly vertically in a malfunctioning gondola about 28 storeys above ground. The pair had been carrying out façade maintenance when one of the gondola’s supporting cables unexpectedly snapped, leaving them stranded mid-air in heavy rain.
Cable Failure Leaves Gondola Hanging Precariously
The incident occurred at around 11:30am as the two workers were repairing exterior sealant on the tower’s façade. According to witnesses and images from the scene, one side of the gondola gave way, causing it to tilt sharply and hang perilously outside the building, reported ZaoBao.
Despite the extreme height and pouring rain, both men remained inside the suspended platform, unable to descend. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted immediately and dispatched a rescue team to the scene. However, the high-altitude operation posed significant challenges due to weather and building structure limitations.
Safety Protocols Followed, Investigation Underway
Raffles City’s spokesperson confirmed that the workers were hired by a contractor and had been carrying out routine external sealant repair works. At the time of the incident, both men had their safety harnesses securely fastened—preventing potential tragedy. The gondola involved had also passed a full safety inspection just a month prior.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of SCDF and the contractor, the workers were safely brought down by approximately 12:30pm. They were taken to hospital for medical evaluation. Preliminary checks revealed no visible injuries.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the mechanical failure. The Ministry of Manpower is expected to be involved, given Singapore’s strict workplace safety regulations.
Workplace Safety Under the Spotlight Again
This incident adds to a growing list of workplace safety scares in Singapore’s construction sector. Just earlier this year, several site accidents led to injuries and even fatalities—prompting enforcement actions including stop-work orders.
While Raffles City has reiterated that safety remains a top priority, this close call underscores the importance of rigorous checks, especially for high-risk tasks like external building maintenance.
Members of the public are urged to stay clear of cordoned-off work areas, particularly during high-rise operations. Authorities continue to emphasise the need for strict compliance with safety standards to prevent future incidents.
More updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.
Image Source: SCDF and ZaoBao