What started as a serious road collapse incident has now turned into a surprising case of lottery fever. A video of the Tanjong Katong Road South sinkhole, which swallowed a white car last Saturday (26 July), has gone viral across social media in Singapore. But it wasn’t just the collapse that caught people’s attention — it was the car plate number.
Eagle-eyed netizens zoomed in and noticed that the vehicle’s number plate read 7127, sparking an unexpected reaction: many Singaporeans rushed to place bets on that number for 4D lottery draws. Within hours, that number was reportedly sold out on Singapore Pools, both online and at physical outlets.
Videos of the incident have amassed tens of thousands of views on TikTok, Facebook and Telegram, showing the exact moment the car sank into the large water-filled hole. While the driver was later rescued safely and suffered only minor injuries, the internet’s attention shifted quickly from shock to speculation – and then, superstition.
Netizens Rush to Bet on “Accident Number”
In typical Singaporean fashion, some interpreted the event as a form of “heavenly sign.” Comments poured in across social media, with users saying things like: “Confirm must buy 7127!” and “This one sure first prize.” Others joked that the driver’s bad luck could become someone else’s fortune.
A check with several punters on Sunday morning revealed that 7127 had already been sold out on Singapore Pools. The number had become so popular, some sellers even warned of potential disappointment for latecomers. It didn’t matter whether people believed in luck or not — the buzz had taken over.
Historically, it’s not uncommon for car plates or incident numbers seen in viral news stories to influence local lottery buying behaviour. Past cases, such as accidents or house fires, have also triggered 4D rushes. This phenomenon reflects how closely pop culture, news, and superstition are tied together in Singapore’s betting scene.
Superstition Meets Real-World Danger
While the viral video has sparked jokes and excitement over possible winnings, experts warn not to lose sight of the real dangers sinkholes pose. The incident on Tanjong Katong Road South was caused by a ruptured water main, according to PUB (Public Utilities Board). Two underground pipes burst, which softened the surrounding soil, eventually leading to the collapse.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) have closed the affected road for safety inspections and repair. Ground scans are ongoing to detect any further underground voids, and full reopening is only expected after stability is confirmed.
As for the car, it has since been pulled out of the sinkhole and sent for damage assessment. But ironically, what could be a total loss for the driver may turn into jackpot luck for others who managed to get their bets in early.
7127 Drawn Before – Will History Repeat?
According to 4D history tracking sites, the number 7127 has been drawn before — most recently on 10 September 2022, in the starter prize category. It has also appeared in past draws as far back as 1986. Whether this will be the time it strikes again is anyone’s guess.
Still, with the next 4D draw just around the corner, many are holding onto their tickets with fingers crossed. Meanwhile, others are scrambling to buy permutations like 1277, 7712, or 7217, hoping that they might just catch some leftover luck from the now-famous sinkhole plate.
For those who missed out, it’s a bitter-sweet moment. As one netizen put it: “The road collapsed, the car sank, but someone else might rise with first prize.”