In a distressing incident on the morning of June 19, a 65-year-old retiree was injured when a section of the ceiling in his Yishun Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat collapsed while he was using the toilet. The unfortunate event left him unconscious until his wife managed to reach him. Emergency services were called, and he was swiftly transported to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where he received over ten stitches for a head injury.
Incident Details
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they received a call for assistance at approximately 4:50 AM at Block 127 Yishun Street 11. The man’s daughter, Siti, recounted that her father had risen early to prepare for morning prayers. While he was in the toilet, a portion of the ceiling unexpectedly fell, resulting in spalling concrete striking him. Siti’s stepmother heard the loud crash and attempted to assist, but the fallen debris blocked the door, complicating their efforts to reach him.
Once the door was finally opened, Siti’s father was found unconscious, prompting immediate first aid at the scene due to a significant gash on his head. In addition to the head injury, he also sustained injuries to his shoulder and knee, and he remains under observation in the hospital.
Concerns Over Building Safety
Siti expressed her concerns regarding the incident, noting that her father had not observed any signs of deterioration in the ceiling prior to the collapse. The family had not undertaken any recent renovations, and the flat had undergone the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) just seven years ago. Following the incident, Siti filed a police report and informed the HDB about the situation, aiming to raise awareness among other residents living in older flats.
The family is understandably shaken by the event, with Siti stating that both her father and stepmother are “extremely traumatised.” Given her father’s existing health issues, including high blood pressure, there are worries that the stress from this incident could exacerbate his condition. Siti is hopeful that the authorities will assist with the necessary repairs, as the financial burden could be significant for her retired parents.
HDB’s Response and Future Actions
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the HDB confirmed that they were alerted to the situation and conducted an immediate investigation. They found loose spalling concrete in the master bedroom bathroom and have since arranged for its removal. Additionally, they inspected the entire flat and discovered slight bulging in the kitchen bathroom ceiling. Although there were no immediate signs of further spalling, the HDB has scheduled a contractor to address the bulging concrete to ensure the residents’ safety.
The HDB has also indicated that they will provide assistance under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme to help cover the costs of the necessary repairs. This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and vigilance in older residential buildings, particularly in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Residents are encouraged to report any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or bulging, to prevent similar incidents. Regular maintenance, including sealing cracks and ensuring proper ventilation, can significantly reduce the risk of spalling concrete and other structural issues.
In conclusion, this unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with aging infrastructure. It underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive maintenance to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in HDB flats.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport