A tree got uprooted and fell onto the road near Sim Lim Tower, along Ophir Road, and pinned at least 2 vehicles, resulting in one of the drivers having to be rescued as a result.
Traffic was also disrupted as the fallen tree blocked off the roads and caused a massive traffic jam, amidst the strong winds and roaring rain.
The Location
The incident occurred near Sim Lim Tower, a prominent landmark in the area. This section of Ophir Road connects to Rochor Canal Road, making it a busy thoroughfare in Singapore.
Pictures and videos shared on social media platforms such as TikTok and Telegram showed the extent of the chaos. A white car and a grey lorry were trapped under the fallen tree’s massive branches. The truck seemed to have borne the brunt of the damage, with its front cabin collapsing from the top.
From a distance, it was evident that the tree and its debris occupied all four lanes along Ophir Road. This meant a complete road blockage, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
Swift Response
In the face of such a situation, workers wearing safety bibs and construction helmets immediately rushed to the scene to help out the stricken and trapped victims. Their swift response was crucial in ensuring the safety of those involved and clearing the road.
Rescuers from the Singaproe Civil Defence Force also soon reached the scene and found a truck trapped under one of the fallen trees.
With the assistance of a nearby lorry crane, the SCDF officers executed a rescue operation. They successfully lifted the massive tree, ultimately rescuing an individual trapped in the driver’s seat of the pickup truck.
The situation could have been far worse. Three other individuals were in the vehicle, sitting in the front cabin and on the rear deck of the truck. Fortunately, they managed to escape before the arrival of the SCDF officers.
After the successful rescue operation, the SCDF acted swiftly to ensure the injured received the necessary medical attention. Three individuals were conveyed to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
@shannang Ophir Road jam! #sgtrafficjam #ophirroad ♬ Let's Go Somewhere – Kaiser Snap