On March 30, 2023, a 57-year-old hawker, Woe Weng Chai, was injured when a metal rod fell from the roof of Block 434 Bukit Panjang Ring Road and struck him on his forehead and shoulder. The incident occurred at around 3:10pm, and Woe was sent to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital for treatment.
According to reports, Woe suffered a fractured skull and broke his shoulder in two places. Two metal plates were inserted into his right shoulder during an operation.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) stated that workers were preparing for the installation of safety barriers on the rooftop for upcoming upgrading works under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). While moving materials, the metal rod had rolled off the edge of the block and fallen through a hole in the roof gutter.
A 21-year-old man was arrested for a rash act causing hurt, and investigations are ongoing.
The HDB and the building contractor have apologized for the incident and are assisting the authorities with investigations. The contractor has stated that it will cover the hospital bills under its insurance policy.
Woe’s wife was the one who called the ambulance and the police. Photos of the aftermath showed the man being attended to by paramedics with blood on the ground.
The incident occurred at the foot of the block, which has 11 floors of flats. The police were alerted to the incident at around 3:10pm.
It is important to ensure that proper safety measures are in place during construction and upgrading works to prevent accidents and injuries to the public. Authorities and contractors must take all necessary precautions to protect individuals from potential hazards.