Construction worker, 52, dies after wall collapses & traps him at Upper Changi site

A construction worker died on Sep. 17 after a wall structure collapsed and trapped him.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said they were alerted to the incident in Upper Changi at around 1:05pm that day.

The 52-year-old man was trapped between two walls at the construction site, and had to be released with hydraulic rescue equipment.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police said they do not suspect foul play. Police investigations are ongoing.

A nearby homeowner told Lianhe Zaobao he heard a loud bang followed by screams at around noon.

A notice at the worksite showed that a private residential unit is being built at the site.

Inspections conducted

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) told Mothership that the worker was manually excavating a trench next to the wall when it collapsed and trapped him.

The wall was shifting and tilting, causing the worker to become trapped, BCA said.

A BCA engineer and the project’s qualified person have also inspected the affected retaining wall and adjacent buildings.

From the inspection, there are no imminent structural safety concerns to surrounding buildings, BCA noted.

BCA has asked for temporary propping measures to stabilise the retaining wall, and for proposals on permanent rectification measures.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life, and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased worker during this difficult time,” the agency said.

MOM added that as a general safety measure, contractors must check the integrity of the surrounding structures and provide adequate shoring to prevent collapse during construction work.

MOM revealed that the occupier of the site is Nic & Wes Builders.

MOM is investigating the incident and has instructed the occupier to stop all work activities at the worksite.

Top photo from Lianhe Zaobao