In a recent incident, a food delivery rider in Bukit Batok encountered the perils of a pothole that resulted in significant injuries, according to a report by Shin Min Daily News.
The Unfortunate Incident
Mr. Zhang, a 30-year-old food delivery rider, shared his harrowing experience with Shin Min Daily News. On January 25, at around 7 pm, he was delivering food on his power-assisted bicycle (PAB) in the vicinity of Block 254 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4. Unaware of a concealed pothole, his PAB struck it at a speed of 25 to 30 kilometers per hour.
The encounter with the pothole resulted in Mr. Zhang getting ejected and sent flying about 10 metres from his bike, sending him sprawling across the ground. He slid for a few meters, hitting his head and narrowly escaping further harm as a vigilant driver behind him managed to brake in time.
Zhang’s friend rushed over upon hearing about his accident and almost hit the pothole himself, but managed to maintain his balance.
Despite the driver’s assistance, Mr. Zhang suffered a fractured and displaced left wrist, necessitating immediate medical attention.
Hospitalization and Surgical Intervention
Transported to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, doctors diagnosed a displaced fracture, requiring a one-night stay in the hospital. Surgery has been scheduled for two weeks later. Unfortunately, Mr. Zhang’s insurance coverage only extends to hospitalization, excluding coverage for medical consultations.
As a food delivery rider, Mr. Zhang’s income is directly tied to his ability to work. With doctors advising a minimum two-month rest period, he faces a considerable loss of income. Compounding the situation, Mr. Zhang had plans for marriage in May, with wedding photos scheduled for April. His recovery timeline becomes crucial for the realization of these personal milestones.
Recurring Pothole Incidents
Remarkably, this isn’t the first time Mr. Zhang has faced such an ordeal. Two years ago, he encountered a pothole in Jurong, resulting in an elbow injury. The prospect of screws being required in his arm adds to the complexity of his recovery.
In light of his experience, Mr. Zhang urges the authorities to expedite repairs on the pothole in Bukit Batok. The incident took place at night, exacerbated by rain, which filled the pothole with water, making it even more challenging to detect. Mr. Zhang emphasizes the need for swift action to prevent further accidents and injuries.