A late-night accident along Orchard Road on Singapore’s National Day shocked passers-by when a bright yellow Honda Civic spun out of control and collided with a roadside lamp post.
The incident happened at about 1.45am on 9 August, just outside Orchard Rendezvous Hotel. Video clips posted on social media showed the car skidding across the mostly empty road before slamming into the lamp post. The loud screech of tyres and the impact drew gasps and shouts from onlookers.
Photos taken after the collision revealed significant damage to the vehicle. The front passenger side was badly dented, and the front left tyre appeared deflated. A portion of the lamp post’s metal casing had fallen onto the kerb following the crash.
Emergency Services Respond Swiftly
Police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedics arrived quickly at the scene. Flashing lights from police motorcycles and an ambulance lit up the area as curious crowds gathered nearby.
The SCDF conveyed the 32-year-old male driver to Singapore General Hospital. While the driver appeared conscious and stable, investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Preliminary police findings suggest the vehicle had “self-skidded” along Orchard Road.
Netizens responding to the incident online expressed relief that no other road users were injured. However, some criticised the driver for possibly travelling at excessive speed, while others made light-hearted remarks linking the spin to National Day celebrations.
Public Safety Remains a Priority
This incident highlights the risks of late-night driving on empty city roads, where motorists may be tempted to accelerate beyond safe limits. Authorities have consistently urged drivers to maintain safe speeds, especially in high-traffic or pedestrian-heavy areas like Orchard Road.
Singapore’s strict traffic laws impose heavy penalties for reckless driving, including fines, licence suspension, and even jail time in severe cases. Public safety advocates continue to stress the importance of defensive driving and road awareness to prevent accidents and protect all road users.