A 23-year-old construction worker has died after a concrete slab reportedly collapsed onto him at a worksite for Singapore’s upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL) MRT project in Turf City.
The fatal workplace accident took place on May 14 at around 1:30pm at 250A Turf Club Road, where the future Turf City MRT station is currently under construction.
According to a joint statement from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the incident occurred during excavation operations involving the removal of concrete beneath a concrete deck structure.
The victim was working as a banksman, a construction worker responsible for guiding heavy machinery operators and ensuring the surrounding area remains safe during hazardous operations.
Police officers who arrived at the scene found the worker motionless. Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedics later pronounced him dead at the site.
Excavation Works Ordered To Stop
Investigators said the accident happened while an excavator was carrying out concrete removal works beneath the deck structure. MOM explained that banksmen are tasked with monitoring hazards and preventing workers from entering dangerous zones during heavy machinery operations.
However, authorities stressed that banksmen themselves must avoid standing within potential collapse areas during demolition or hacking works.
Following the fatal incident, excavation activities at the worksite have been halted immediately.
The worker was employed by Koh Kock Leong Construction, which is a subcontractor involved in the project. The main contractor overseeing the construction site is the Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) – Obayashi Corporation Joint Venture.
LTA confirmed that the occupier of the site, identified as Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) – Obayashi CR203 Joint Venture, has been instructed to suspend all excavation operations pending further investigations.
Investigations Underway Into Workplace Safety Procedures
The Land Transport Authority extended condolences to the victim’s family and stated that support and assistance are being provided to them during this period.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Manpower reminded contractors that hacking and removal of temporary concrete structures must be carried out in a tightly controlled and carefully supervised manner.
MOM also emphasised the importance of enforcing exclusion zones at construction sites, especially during demolition and excavation works involving unstable concrete structures.
Singapore has maintained strict workplace safety regulations in recent years, particularly within the construction industry, where heavy machinery and structural works remain high-risk operations. Fatal industrial accidents continue to draw significant public attention as authorities push for stronger compliance and safer worksite practices.
Police investigations are ongoing, with preliminary findings indicating that foul play is not suspected at this stage.