Workplace Accident Involving Gondola

SINGAPORE: Two workers were taken to a hospital after a gondola tipped to one side at a Housing Board block in Boon Lay on Thursday (May 11) morning. 

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at 8.10am.

Upon its arrival at Block 199 Boon Lay Drive, a worker was seen on the ledge of the 15th storey next to a "lopsided gondola". 

The worker was brought in safely through the unit windows on the 15th floor by SCDF officers. 

"We understand that another worker was also brought to safety through the unit windows on the 14th floor by a member of public prior to SCDF's arrival," it said. 

Both workers were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.

The scene on Thursday afternoon showed the gondola was still dangling from the side of the building. There was also visible damage to the parapet on the roof, with a section of the parapet missing

There was a cordon at the block to prevent vehicles and people from crossing over to the site of the incident.

"The first worker was rescued before SCDF arrived by climbing into the 14th floor. The second worker sat at the parapet of the 15th floor whilst waiting for SCDF's arrival because he was injured."

He added that the man was rescued when SCDF officers arrived

In a statement on Thursday evening, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the gondola's supports failed, causing it to tilt.

"The workers were harnessed onto a lifeline as part of standard safety requirements," the ministry said. "Both workers were treated at the hospital and have since been discharged."

MOM also identified the employer as Ban Contract Services, and said it is investigating the accident.