Flying debris during a squall that swept through Singapore on 17 September injured two people and shattered an outdoor glass awning outside United Overseas Bank (UOB) Plaza 2. The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that two individuals were sent to the hospital around 7:40 pm. Additionally, four passing vehicles were reportedly hit by debris.
Background
The squall, a sudden and violent gust of wind, caused significant damage in the area surrounding UOB Plaza 2. The incident highlights the potential dangers posed by extreme weather conditions in urban environments. The debris not only injured pedestrians but also caused substantial damage to vehicles and property.
Vehicles pelted with many foreign objects
A Lianhe Zaobao reporter at the scene observed the road outside the UOB Building littered with broken glass and metal objects, including fallen barricade fencing. Damaged vehicles were parked along the side of the road, with two cars suffering the most serious damage, including shattered windshields and deformed hoods.
One 64-year-old taxi driver, surnamed Li, recounted his experience: “I was passing Raffles Place at around 7:25 pm and did not expect to be hit by glass.” Li believed the glass that damaged his vehicle came from one of the UOB buildings, noting that other vehicles were also struck by debris.
Glass awning broken
The Lianhe Zaobao reporter also noted that an outdoor glass awning of UOB Plaza 2 had broken panels, each estimated to be about three metres by three metres in size. In response to an enquiry from Fathership, a UOB spokesperson clarified that the glass panel that damaged the canopy outside UOB Plaza 2 did not originate from Plaza 2 itself. “We were not aware of any reported injury within the plaza’s perimeters. The affected area has been cordoned off for the public’s safety,” the spokesperson added.
Safety measures and future implications
This incident underscores the importance of robust safety measures in urban areas, especially during extreme weather events. Authorities and building management teams may need to reassess the structural integrity of outdoor fixtures and implement additional safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The public is advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during adverse weather conditions.
