In a harrowing incident that unfolded on August 16, 2023, a 25-year-old man found himself in a perilous situation as he lost control of his car, causing it to flip and land upside down in a canal along Bukit Batok West Avenue 7, in front of the Home Team NS building.
The Unfortunate Accident
At approximately 9:35 am, the car veered off course and ended up in a canal. The incident took place in front of HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok, a popular recreational and community hub. Eyewitnesses were left stunned as they witnessed the car in an inverted position, half-submerged in the water.
Swift Response by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was later dispatched to the scene. A photograph circulated on Telegram depicted the dramatic scene – SCDF personnel on-site, working to address the crisis.
According to an SCDF spokesperson, upon their arrival, it was discovered that an individual was stranded inside the canal.
The SCDF team executed a rescue operation, employing specialized height rescue equipment to get the stranded man from the canal. The person was later identified as the 25-year-old male driver.
Authorities confirmed that the driver had managed to exit the vehicle prior to the arrival of the SCDF team.
Heroic Acts and Community Support
In the midst of the chaos, stories of heroism and community spirit emerged. Although the SCDF team was quick to respond, it was heartening to note that some courageous passersby had already come to the aid of the trapped driver.
A video posted on social media by Facebook user Raven Qiu showcased the driver sitting in the canal, surrounded by concerned individuals who offered their assistance until official help arrived.
Driver’s Condition and Investigation
Thankfully, despite the traumatic nature of the incident, reports indicated that the young driver remained conscious.
He was promptly transported to the hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.
The preliminary investigation suggested that the car might have skidded on its own accord while navigating Bukit Batok Street 32.