Netizens praise migrant workers who rescued driver after sinkhole incident at Tanjong Katong Road South

Online Citizen​

16 hours ago

SINGAPORE: A vehicle fell into a large sinkhole that formed along Tanjong Katong Road South on 26 July 2025 at around 5pm, resulting in its female driver being taken to hospital.
The incident has sparked widespread praise for migrant workers who were captured on video rescuing the woman from the flooded sinkhole.
Photos and videos quickly spread across social media platforms, showing the car partially submerged in the water-filled sinkhole next to an active worksite.
In one TikTok video, several migrant workers from a nearby site can be seen rushing to the scene without hesitation.
According to an earlier Facebook post by PUB, Singapore's national water agency, the sinkhole emerged at the junction of Tanjong Katong Road and Mountbatten Road, affecting two lanes. The incident occurred next to an existing PUB worksite.
PUB initially stated that the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) had carried out the rescue and conveyed the driver, who was conscious, to Raffles Hospital.
However, netizens were quick to point out that the video evidence showed the migrant workers were the first to act.
Many comments highlighted the workers' bravery in approaching the unstable, waterlogged sinkhole to pull the driver to safety before official responders arrived.
One comment read, 'Let's give credit where it's due. Migrant workers are generally invisible but in moments of bravery and selfless action, they should be acknowledged.'
On 27 July 2025, PUB updated its statement, acknowledging and appreciating the swift actions of the workers on site who rescued the driver.
PUB confirmed it is in touch with the driver to provide necessary support.
PUB also said recovery works at the site are ongoing and updates will be provided when ready.
Others noted the high risk involved, describing the sinkhole as a torrent of water and shifting soil.
Many commenters stressed that the workers' daily exposure to construction dangers may have prepared them for this quick-thinking response.
PUB also stated that the Police, SCDF, and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) were at the scene to manage the situation.
Both directions of the affected road have been closed to traffic, with motorists advised to use alternative routes such as Mountbatten Road and East Coast Parkway (ECP).
Early on 27 July 2025, LTA confirmed via Facebook that Tanjong Katong Road South would remain closed for repairs until further notice. Bus services along the stretch have also been diverted to ensure safety.
Goh Pei Ming, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights GRC, acknowledged that the rescue was thanks to the quick actions of the workers on site.
He added that the driver was conveyed conscious to hospital and that the safety of the area is now a priority.
Nearby residents have raised concerns about the integrity of their homes and surrounding roads.
In response, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) reported that its engineers carried out preliminary checks on One Amber condominium and the landed houses across the road.
The checks confirmed that these buildings were not affected, though stabilisation works have begun as a precaution.
The sinkhole incident has drawn significant attention to the unseen contributions of migrant workers, whose swift actions may have prevented a greater tragedy.
The area remains under close monitoring by PUB, LTA, and BCA as repair and safety works continue.