14 SMRT employees injured by falling tree in Sembawang Park

SINGAPORE (Dec 20): A falling tree at Sembawang Park caused the roof of a pavilion to crash on a private Christmas party, injuring 14 SMRT employees.

TODAY reported that the tree fell amid heavy rains, and those who suffered injuries had to be taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.

The incident is reported to have occured at 5.30pm along Beaulieu Road.

The National Parks Board was quoted as saying that two trees had been uprooted during the incident — an 18m tall Tabebuia rosea, and a 21m tall Erythrophleum suaveolens.

The 21m tall Erythrophleum suaveolens fell on the pavilion.

Of the party of 17 people, 3 remained unhurt, but were shaken from witnessing the events. 

A man who was identified as Lee in the publication, said his wife had fainted and sustained a head injury from the incident.

He described the injury as a bump “as big as a fist”, and recounted that some of injured required stitches, while another had a dislocated arm.

Speaking to the publication Lee said: “I don’t understand how the tree can fall. Based on the photo I see the roots are not deep enough.

“I need an answer for that. My wife is injured now. I don’t feel good.

“Something is wrong with their maintenance. The tree is so old and so big, but they had to wait till the wind and rain hit before doing anything about it.

“This is a park, where children and family are supposed to feel safe in.”

NParks said intense thunderstorms and winds occured at the time of the incident, and the board is investigating the cause of the tree fall and is in the midst of getting in touch with the victims’ families.