A video purportedly showing a car trapped in a water-filled sinkhole at Tanjong Katong has gone viral online, causing confusion and sparking debate among Singaporeans. The clip, which surfaced shortly after reports of a road collapse in the area, shows a white vehicle submerged in muddy water while the surrounding ground appears to have caved in.
Incident Is Real
While 8world News released actual photos of the road damage at Tanjong Katong Road, showing a significant collapse and emergency response teams on-site, it was the dramatic video clip that stole the spotlight. The footage rapidly made its rounds across social media platforms and messaging apps, drawing thousands of views and comments in just a few hours. Update: It’s Real
However, sharp-eyed netizens quickly pointed out inconsistencies in the video. Some commented that the water’s texture, lighting reflections, and unnatural movement of debris appeared suspicious. Others claimed that the vehicle’s lack of real-world motion and the overly cinematic framing hinted at the use of artificial intelligence. Update: It’s Real
“That car looks like it was pasted in. The water splash doesn’t even look real,” wrote one Facebook user.
“Nowadays with AI, you don’t know what to trust,” added another.
Still, the origin of the video remains unclear. No mainstream news outlet has verified the authenticity of the video, nor confirmed whether the car shown was genuinely at the collapse site. Authorities have not issued a statement on the viral clip at the time of writing. Update: It’s Real
UPDATE: IT’S REAL Road Collapse Confirmed, Investigations Ongoing
What has been confirmed is that a section of Tanjong Katong Road did indeed collapse, leading to traffic disruptions and prompting investigations by relevant agencies. Photos released by official sources show a visibly sunken roadway and a gaping hole, with at least one vehicle reportedly affected by the incident.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and PUB are believed to be examining whether underground works or pipe issues may have contributed to the collapse.
Social Media’s Role in Crisis Situations
This incident once again highlights how fast misinformation — or unverified content — can spread during public emergencies. In an era where AI-generated images and videos are easily accessible and convincing, the line between fact and fiction can quickly blur.
Residents are advised to follow official news sources and updates from government agencies rather than rely solely on viral videos. False information during such incidents can cause unnecessary panic and divert attention from real response efforts.
As investigations continue, both the physical collapse and the viral media surrounding it serve as reminders of the new challenges digital technology brings in times of crisis.
Image Source: 8 World News/ Video Circulating on social media