Glass pane allegedly fell from 3rd to 1st floor at Star Vista, 4 sent to hospital

A glass pane fell from height at The Star Vista mall in Buona Vista on Sunday, Apr. 20 morning.

According to a Facebook user, the glass pane apparently fell from the third level of the mall and crashed into the seating area of HarriAnns cafe, located at the first level.

As a result, the glass pane shattered, and at least four individuals sustained injuries.

Aftermath

According to the Facebook user, the incident allegedly took place after an Easter Sunday service at New Creation Church, which was held at The Star Performing Arts Centre on the fourth floor of the mall.

After the glass pane fell, customers at the cafe "were quickly evacuated", but its employees, who were still behind the counter, "were visibly shocked" that the glass pane landed right in front of them, he wrote.

In one of the photos attached to the post, a large portion of the cafe's seating area could be seen covered in glass shards.

Half-eaten meals could also be seen on the tables.

In the other photo, four police officers, a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighter, and two individuals could be seen on the third floor of the mall.

SCDF statement

In response to Mothership's queries, SCDF confirmed that they received a call for assistance regarding the incident at around 11:30am on Apr. 20.

After assessing six persons for their injuries, SCDF conveyed four of them to the National University Hospital.

The remaining two declined to be sent to the hospital.

Star Vista statement

Star Vista told Mothership that a glass facade panel located on the third level of the mall "broke" at around 11:30am on Sunday.

Pieces of the broken glass panel subsequently fell onto an area on the first level, injuring six shoppers.

According to Star Vista, its on-site first aid team responded "immediately" to provide care to the injured and to provide assistance to other shoppers.

SCDF arrived shortly thereafter to assist, added the mall.

"We are given to understand that the injuries to the six shoppers were non-life-threatening, with individuals sustaining minor cuts and lacerations," read the statement.

Four of the injured who were attended to by Star Vista's first-aid team and SCDF were conveyed to the hospital for further treatment, while two others declined hospitalisation after receiving medical attention on-site.

Star Vista said it understands that all four have since been discharged.

Incident due to 'spontaneous glass breakage'

According to Star Vista, the affected area had been cordoned off "promptly" as a precautionary measure.

Safety barriers were also installed to ensure the continued safety of visitors.

The mall added that it is "working closely with the relevant authorities and consultants to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident".

"Preliminary assessment indicates that the incident was due to spontaneous glass breakage," read the statement.

Mall implemented 'additional safety measures'

The mall said that the remaining fragments of the broken glass panel had been removed on the day of the incident.

In consultation with the relevant authorities, Star Vista also implemented "additional safety measures" at the affected location.

"We deeply regret that this incident occurred and extend our sincere apologies to those affected," said the mall.

Star Vista added that it "remains in contact with the injured shoppers to be apprised of their recovery and to offer ongoing support".

"The Star remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering a safe and secure environment for all.

We thank you for your understanding and trust as we work to uphold the highest standards of safety."

Top images via Joh Nethan Tong/Facebook