Singapore saw two separate emergencies on Nov 29, just hours apart — one on the East Coast Parkway and another in Telok Blangah. Both triggered large responses, sent multiple people to the hospital, and rattled residents who saw everything unfold in real time.
Large Tree Branch Falls on Cars Along the ECP
A quiet Friday afternoon turned chaotic when a huge tree branch snapped and crashed onto at least two cars heading toward the city. The accident happened just before the Fort Road exit around 1.35pm, affecting a trailer and five cars.
Three men — aged 71, 32, and 70 — were taken conscious to Raffles Hospital. Two others had minor injuries but chose not to be taken in.
What caused it? NParks says a tall vehicle in the first lane struck a rain tree branch, snapping it and sending it crashing onto vehicles behind. Crews cleared the obstruction by about 3.30pm, and NParks is following up with those affected.
Fire Breaks Out at Telok Blangah Coffee Shop, Residents Evacuated
A few hours earlier, another emergency was unfolding across town. A fire ripped through several stalls at a coffee shop in Block 61 Telok Blangah Heights around 11.10am, forcing about 80 residents to evacuate.
SCDF used three water jets to put out the flames. Ten people suffered smoke inhalation. Two of them — one adult and one child — were taken to Singapore General Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Residents described the escape as tense and disorienting. Andy Ng, 27, said he heard shouting before he even saw smoke. Others spoke about zero visibility, thick air, and fear the fire might spread upward.
One resident grabbed her two cats and rushed out with masks on, reminding herself to stay calm as she moved through the smoke.
By early afternoon, most residents were allowed back in. Those living right above the coffee shop were temporarily held back and provided lunch while officials assessed the damage.
Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Rachel Ong thanked SCDF and community members for their quick action, saying support will continue for affected households.
Rising Concerns Over Fire Incidents
SCDF’s latest annual report adds context. Fires rose to 1,990 cases in 2024, up from 1,954 the year before. Many of those occurred in commercial and communal spaces just like this coffee shop. Fire-related deaths also ticked up from three to five.
The Takeaway
Two back-to-back incidents in one day underline how quickly routine moments can turn dangerous. Strong winds, tall vehicles, a spark in a food stall — it doesn’t take much for things to escalate.
Thankfully, fast responses from SCDF, NParks, and police kept both situations under control. Investigations into the fire’s cause and the ECP tree-branch impact are continuing.
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