Indian Worker, 20, Dies in Singapore Building Demolition

SINGAPORE: A tragic incident occurred in Singapore's Central Business District when a 20-year-old Indian worker lost his life during the demolition of a building. The worker, employed by Aik Sun Demolition and Engineering, was fatally injured when part of the Fuji Xerox Towers building in Tanjong Pagar collapsed during the demolition process.

After more than six hours of search and rescue operations, rescuers discovered the body of the unidentified worker late on Thursday night. Media reports indicated that the worker was found pinned under approximately 2 meters of debris. Efforts to free him were complicated by the weight of the concrete slab, estimated to be at least 50 tonnes.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) stated that the worker was sighted pinned under the collapsed structure around 6 pm. Unfortunately, he had no pulse and was not breathing. Despite the rescue team's efforts, the worker's body could only be recovered at around 9.45 pm and was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

Concerns about worker safety were expressed by Kartik Vaidya, an individual working in the vicinity, upon learning of the collapse. Vaidya noted that the building had been undergoing demolition works for several months, with each passing week revealing the diminishing levels of the structure.

In response to the incident, the developer of the building, City Developments Limited (CDL), expressed deep sadness and offered condolences to the worker's family. CDL stated that it was collaborating with Aik Sun to provide assistance and support to the affected workers. The well-being of the workers was deemed a priority.

On the following day, the Migrant Worker's Centre (MWC), a local NGO dedicated to the welfare of migrant workers, announced that it would issue a payout to the family of the deceased Indian worker. Through the Migrant Workers' Assistance Fund (MWAF), the MWC would provide interim financial assistance to help the worker's next-of-kin during the waiting period for compensation from the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). However, the specific amount of the payout was not disclosed in the announcement.

This incident highlights the dangers faced by workers in high-risk industries such as demolition and construction. It also underscores the importance of maintaining stringent safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring and the need for adequate support and compensation for the families affected by such incidents.

ALSO READ: Manipur’s Ace Cyclist Ronaldo Singh Laitonjam Created National Record at Asian Track Cycling Championship

ALSO WATCH: