A 29-year-old man was apprehended after he was spotted lying in the middle of Grange Road in Singapore’s Tanglin area in an unusual incident that quickly drew attention online.
The bizarre scene was captured in a video circulating on social media, allegedly filmed on May 12 at around 12:28pm. The footage showed the man suddenly stepping onto the road before lowering himself onto the tarmac directly in front of an approaching vehicle.
According to the video, the driver slowed down as the man, who was wearing spectacles, a grey tank top and dark blue shorts, stared towards the vehicle. He was also seen with a cast on his left arm.
The man then lay flat on the road for several seconds, appearing almost like a makeshift speed bump or “road hump”, before eventually standing up and moving back towards the pavement.
Driver Forced to Slow Down During Incident
As traffic cautiously navigated around him, the man reportedly remained on the road for approximately eight seconds. After returning to the sidewalk, he once again stepped in front of the moving vehicle before eventually walking away from the camera’s view.
The driver later continued along Grange Road once the situation appeared safe.
The unusual behaviour sparked widespread reactions online, with many social media users expressing amusement while others raised concerns about the man’s mental health and overall safety.
Some commenters joked that the hot road surface may have forced him to get up quickly, while others pointed out that such incidents could potentially lead to serious road accidents, insurance claims, or emergency medical situations.
Police Say Man Was Apprehended Under Mental Health Act
In response to media queries, the Singapore Police Force confirmed that the 29-year-old man was apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The case has also reignited conversations in Singapore surrounding mental health awareness, public safety, and the challenges faced by frontline emergency responders when dealing with unpredictable situations in public spaces.
Grange Road, located near Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt, is typically a busy stretch frequented by motorists, taxis, and tourists. Incidents involving pedestrians deliberately obstructing traffic remain relatively uncommon in the area.
Road safety experts have previously warned that sudden pedestrian behaviour on busy roads can place both drivers and pedestrians at risk, particularly in high-traffic zones where vehicles may not have sufficient braking distance.
While many online users reacted humorously to the video, others urged compassion and highlighted the importance of mental health support services and early intervention programmes in Singapore.