Three Injured After Ceiling Collapse At Liat Towers Singapore

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

On Friday, September 12, 2025, a ceiling collapsed at Liat Towers on Orchard Road in Singapore, resulting in three people being taken to the hospital. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they received an emergency call at around 4pm. Following the incident, two people were transported to Singapore General Hospital (SGH), while one person was taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) for medical treatment. Authorities quickly responded to the scene to ensure the safety of others in the area.

Area Cordoned Off

When CNA arrived at the scene around 6pm, an area outside the Starbucks outlet at street level was cordoned off for safety. A false ceiling located under the outdoor steps had completely dislodged and was lying on the ground. Approximately five police officers were present at the scene to manage the area and control onlookers. The cordon ensured that no further injuries occurred while emergency personnel attended to the victims.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses told CNA that the ceiling collapsed sometime between 3.40pm and 4pm. Ms Czandrya Cheong, who was seated by a window at a cafe in the building with friends, heard “a really loud thud” and saw shattered glass scattered outside. “We all came out and we saw the ceiling half-fallen. So we all went out to help hold the ceiling up so the people underneath could crawl out,” she said. Her quick reaction helped prevent additional injuries as others tried to escape from under the debris.

Multiple People Trapped

Another eyewitness described the collapse as happening “at one shot,” estimating that around six students and a few adults were stuck under the fallen ceiling. Mr Denzel Tear, who was studying at Starbucks when the incident occurred, reported seeing two people with visible injuries: a girl with a cut on her nose and a pregnant woman. The pregnant woman was described as “quite badly injured,” and an ambulance was called immediately to provide medical attention.

Pregnant Woman Injured

Ms Cheong noted that the pregnant woman had narrowly dodged the falling ceiling but fell to the ground in the process, sustaining injuries. The quick actions of nearby witnesses, who helped lift the ceiling slightly, allowed victims to crawl out and avoid being further harmed. This rapid response was critical in minimizing the severity of injuries before medical personnel arrived.

Quick Emergency Response

According to Mr Tear, ambulances arrived within 10 to 15 minutes of the collapse, while firefighters and police officers reached the scene within minutes. Their swift response ensured that injured individuals were quickly treated and transported to hospitals. The coordination between SCDF, police, and medical teams demonstrated the efficiency of Singapore’s emergency response system in handling such sudden incidents.

Eyewitness Reactions

Mr Tear, who had never experienced such an incident before, said his first instinct was “to go and help.” He added that the situation was “really scary” once he realized the potential danger of the collapse. Ms Cheong, who has been studying in the area for several months, shared that the collapse came as a shock. “I never thought that something like this would be happening in Singapore,” she said. Both witnesses emphasized the importance of assisting victims immediately and staying calm during emergencies.

Community Assistance

The response from bystanders played a significant role in helping victims escape safely. Eyewitnesses reported that they physically held up portions of the fallen ceiling so that trapped individuals could crawl out. Their bravery and quick thinking likely prevented more serious injuries. The incident highlights how community involvement and timely assistance can save lives during unexpected accidents.

Hospitals Update

CNA has contacted Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) for updates on the conditions of the victims. While hospitals have not yet released detailed reports, authorities confirmed that the injured individuals were promptly treated and are receiving appropriate medical care. Medical teams continue to monitor the patients to ensure their recovery from the injuries sustained in the collapse.

Building Tenants Contacted

CNA also reached out to tenants at Liat Towers, including Starbucks, Natureland, Shake Shack, and Swirl Lover, for further information regarding the incident. The building management and tenants are working closely with authorities to investigate the cause of the collapse and ensure the safety of everyone in the premises. Structural inspections are expected to be carried out to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Public Safety Measures

Following the incident, authorities emphasized the importance of public safety in commercial buildings. Safety inspections and proper maintenance of ceilings and other structural elements are critical to prevent accidents. Officials have advised businesses and property managers to regularly check for loose fittings or signs of wear and tear. Ensuring that buildings comply with safety standards can help reduce the risk of such accidents in densely populated areas like Orchard Road.

Impact On The Community

The ceiling collapse at Liat Towers has affected both the local community and visitors to the area. Students, cafe-goers, and passersby witnessed the incident, causing shock and concern. While only three people were seriously injured, the event served as a reminder of the importance of structural safety and emergency preparedness. The quick response of witnesses and emergency personnel mitigated what could have been a far more serious situation.

Quick Action Prevented Further Harm

The ceiling collapse at Liat Towers on September 12, 2025, caused injuries to three people but could have resulted in more severe consequences if not for the prompt assistance of eyewitnesses and emergency responders. SCDF, police, and medical teams acted efficiently to secure the area, treat the injured, and investigate the cause of the collapse. Eyewitness bravery and community support were key factors in preventing further harm. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the building is safe for public use in the future.

Liat Towers Collapse, Singapore Ceiling Accident, Orchard Road Emergency