Guardians of S'pore teen, 17, who died after basketball frame fell on him, reach settlement with town council & EM Services

The guardians of Mohd Ridwan, 17, who died after a basketball hoop structure fell on him in 2021, have reached a settlement in a civil suit against East Coast Town Council (ECTC) and real estate services company EM Services.

The incident occurred at a basketball court next to Block 18 Bedok South Road on the evening of Jul. 26, 2021.

According to The Straits Times (ST), all parties settled the suit with an undisclosed amount offered to the boy's guardians, along with the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

The guardians had reportedly filed claims amounting to S$150,000 against ECTC and EM Services in July 2024.

Case resolved "amicably" on "confidential basis"

The case was reportedly settled in April 2025.

Lawyers representing ECTC said that the civil proceedings have been "amicably resolved on a confidential basis".

ECTC has expressed its "deepest sympathies and support" to Ridwan's family, said the town council's spokesperson, as quoted by ST.

What happened

Ridwan was playing basketball with his friends at the location when the incident occurred.

He had reportedly held on to the rim of the basketball hoop structure for about two seconds, unaware of its instability.

It then collapsed onto him.

His friends tried to lift the hoop off him, while two other men who were playing basketball at the same court called the police and ambulance.

Ridwan was unconscious when he was conveyed to Changi General Hospital, and passed away from a head injury subsequently.

Safety lapses during hoop installations found

According to ST, a coroner's inquiry into the death opened on Nov. 10, 2021.

Investigations revealed that there had been several safety lapses, including the absence of a professional engineer during the installation of the hoops, compromised welding points, and a lack of structural reinforcement.

The court also heard that the basketball court had been renovated between March and April 2020.

Contractors discovered the instability of another hoop near Block 33 Bedok South in March 2020, which was later dismissed as due to the nature of its aluminium material.

The hoop was not replaced.

The contractors also did not engage a professional engineer despite conducting visual checks.

Hoop should "never fail" if manufactured and installed correctly: State coroner

Between January and July 2021, including six inspections in July, the basketball courts were checked.

According to CNA, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said that the players were not at fault and that if the hoop had been properly manufactured and installed, it should "never fail.”

The coroner directed the investigation officer to inspect other basketball courts where there was feedback on the stability of the hoops, as well as hoops supplied by ECTC's subcontractor, Velocity.

ECTC is aware of the ongoing coroner court's hearing, said its spokesperson as quoted by CNA.

However, the town council has declined to provide further comment, saying they will provide further updates once proceedings have concluded.

Ridwan's case will be adjourned till Nov. 27 after the investigation officer conducts more checks.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News & Lianhe Zaobao