In June 2019, a part-time security guard, 26, died after he pushed aside a temporary barricade and fell into a manhole at 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar.

What happened?

Yahoo News reported that Shaun Tung had been running towards two patrons entering a restricted area when he fell into the manhole.

Tung was employed as a security officer and had been deployed to 1-Altitude that night. His task was to prevent patrons from entering a restricted area, which was cordoned from the open dining area on the club's second floor.

At around 1:30am, Tung saw two patrons trying to enter that area by pushing aside the barricades.

He then pushed aside the barricades, ran towards them while shining his torch light at them, and fell into the manhole.

SCDF was called and Tung was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:54am, June 9, 2019. An autopsy revealed that he died from head injuries.

Manhole cover was left open

Yahoo reported that according to a coroner’s inquiry, the manhole cover for the gondola pit was left open to allow access to a switch for cleaning purposes. This was part of a usual practice.

A Ministry of Manpower Investigations Officer also said that the floor slabs that covered the pit were around 80kg, and it was too "troublesome" to move them every day.

This is the reason cited as to why the pit was not covered, even though they were not carrying out works during the time of the incident.

This manhole area was out of bounds to patrons.

Another security officer had briefed Tung separately about the area

Investigations revealed that Tung had arrived late on the night he was deployed to 1-Altitude, and missed the mass briefing.

He was later briefed by a senior security officer who showed him the manhole area and told him that the area was out of bounds to patrons.

CNA noted that when Tung began his shift between 6pm and 7pm, he appeared tired. Tung held other part-time jobs, and this was only the second time he was working as a security officer at 1-Altitude.

However, it is unclear if he had worked at another job prior to arriving at 1-Altitude that day.

The area with the manhole had been cordoned off with no light fixtures. Lighting at the area was usually provided by lights fixed onto the furniture, but had been removed to facilitate the cleaning process.

According to CNA, an MOM officer, in an assessment of the safety practices in place that day, said that there was no floor covering. Barricades and warning signs were also "not effective".

In response to Mothership's queries, MOM said in a statement on Aug. 7 that they are investigating for possible offences under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

They are also in contact with the worker’s family on their claim for compensation under the Work Injury Compensation Act.

Top photo via 1-Altitude/Facebook