Overview of the Incident

SINGAPORE - A routine morning at Pasir Panjang Terminal turned alarming when a container toppled onto a forklift, injuring the operator. The incident occurred on November 25 at approximately 6:40 AM, raising immediate concerns for workplace safety in one of Singapore's busiest ports.

Details of the Event

PSA Singapore, the terminal's operator, confirmed the incident occurred within the container yard of Terminal 3. The Singapore Civil Defence Force was notified shortly after, arriving on the scene around 6:55 AM. A 37-year-old man, who remained conscious throughout the ordeal, was quickly transported to the National University Hospital. Fortunately, PSA reported that he is in stable condition.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness video footage has circulated online, showcasing the dramatic moment. In the video, a forklift attempts to lift a container when it inadvertently causes a stack of five containers to sway dangerously. As the operator backs away, the stack collapses—the top container striking the cabin of the forklift, leading to a harrowing scene where the operator tumbles out onto the ground.

Emergency Response

The chaos didn't stop there; images captured at the scene depicted a column of four containers leaning against the front of the forklift, further complicating the rescue attempts. Emergency responders, including at least six firefighters, quickly attended to the scene, helping the injured man as they worked to stabilize the environment.

Potential Safety Violations

Sources familiar with port operations have indicated that these containers were likely empty, as forklifts are typically restricted to handling only empty loads. Loaded containers are usually managed by cranes for safety reasons, highlighting the potential lapses in safety protocols during this incident.

Investigation

The Ministry of Manpower has been contacted for further details concerning safety procedures and any ongoing investigations into the cause of this alarming accident. This incident has sparked renewed discussions about safety measures within the logistics and maritime sectors, raising questions about how similar accidents can be prevented in the future.

Public Reaction

Stay tuned for updates! How can safety be improved at our ports? What are your thoughts on this shocking event?