A sinkhole formed on July 26, 2025, at Tanjong Katong Road South, causing a car and its driver to fall into the hole [1, 2, 3]. Workers rescued the driver using a rope and nylon harness during the emergency response [1, 2, 3].
Investigations conducted jointly by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and Land Transport Authority (LTA) found the sinkhole was caused by worksite failure involving unauthorized and non-compliant construction activities [1, 2, 3]. The affected works included building a shaft to connect three new sewer pipelines, involving soil strengthening with jet grout piles and casting of reinforced concrete caisson rings [1, 2].
PUB and Surbana Jurong Consultants were issued conditional warnings for offences under the Building Control Act related to the incident [1, 2, 3]. Enforcement action is being taken against six individuals and the licensed specialist builder Ohin Construction for violations including failure to comply with approved plans, inadequate risk assessments, deficient safe work procedures, licensing and supervisory lapses, testing and monitoring failures, and the lack of operational video surveillance at the site [1, 2, 3].
Authorities noted that no notification was given before the sinkhole formed regarding the road depression, and false declarations were submitted about appointing a site supervisor [1, 2, 3]. BCA, MOM, and LTA stated, "Mandatory tests that were stipulated under the approved plans were not carried out. An operational video surveillance system was not maintained at the worksite at the time of the incident," adding, "The works also proceeded without adequate risk assessment and adequate safe work procedure" [3].
The construction works remain halted. Work can only resume after BCA approves new structural plans submitted by new project parties [1, 2, 3]. The joint announcement of investigation findings and warnings was made on June 11, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
