A nine-year-old boy playing on a monkey bar at a Bukit Batok playground suffered a severe injury after falling and hitting a plastic partition. The impact caused a rupture to his right kidney, which required urgent surgery to remove the damaged organ.
The incident occurred on the evening of 20 June 2025 near Block 443D Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, where the boy was playing with several neighbours. Despite showing no obvious external injuries, the boy complained of abdominal pain and was taken to hospital after his mother discovered blood in his urine.
Emergency Surgery and Medical Findings
Medical staff confirmed the boy had internal bleeding, but it was only after an X-ray scan that doctors identified a 10cm laceration in his right kidney. Given the severity of the injury, surgeons operated overnight on 21 June. The kidney was beyond repair and had to be removed during the three-to-four-hour procedure.
The boy remains in intensive care and is being closely monitored. Although he currently requires tube feeding, doctors say he is conscious and able to communicate. His family has expressed deep concern for his recovery and the long-term impact on his health, particularly given his young age.
Expert Advice and Parental Caution
Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, explained that such severe internal injuries from playground falls are rare. He noted that most falls result in injuries to the limbs as children instinctively use their hands or feet to break their fall. However, the force of the impact can sometimes cause serious damage to internal organs like the kidneys, which have a rich blood supply.
Fortunately, Wai reassured that children can live normal lives with one functioning kidney, as it can compensate for the loss of the other. He urged parents to supervise children closely during play, especially when they engage in activities above ground level, to help prevent such unfortunate accidents.
This incident highlights the importance of playground safety and vigilant adult supervision to minimise risks of serious injuries among children.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News