Early Morning Chaos at The Star Vista

In a startling incident that set off alarm bells at The Star Vista mall in Buona Vista, Singapore, a glass pane plummeted from the third floor, leaving six shoppers injured on the morning of April 20.

Injuries and Rapid Response

Among those injured, four were rushed to the National University Hospital after emergency services were alerted around 11:30 AM. While two others opted for no medical assistance, all six reported non-life-threatening injuries, primarily minor cuts and lacerations.

Mall's Swift Action

The mall's management quickly deployed an on-site first-aid team to help the affected. They cordoned off the area where the incident occurred and set up additional safety barriers to prevent further risk.

Witness Accounts

Witnesses recalled the scene vividly. Peter Hoskins, who was on the second floor, described hearing a loud crash that sent shards of glass flying to the ground near the eatery Bingz. "It made me jump, thinking about the danger I was in," he recalled, noting that first responders were quickly on the scene, tending to injured individuals.

Another bystander, identified only as Ms. Heng, was dining nearby when she heard the shattering sound. Curious about the noise, she stepped out to find shattered glass around HarriAnns Nonya Table, where a crowd had gathered, shocked and concerned.

Close Call for Diners

The glass panel had struck the seating area of HarriAnns Nonya Table, prompting the establishment to close its doors on April 21 as a precaution.

Preliminary Investigations Underway

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced that the broken panel was a non-laminated tempered glass piece. Their initial assessment points to spontaneous glass breakage, potentially due to microscopic impurities within the glass—a rare occurrence.

The BCA assured the public that the mall's structural integrity remains intact, immediately following a visual inspection of similar glass panels in the building.

Next Steps for Building Owners

To further investigate the matter, the BCA will issue a Notice to Maintain, mandating the mall's owners to engage a qualified professional to examine the incident's cause, inspect the building facade, and recommend necessary repairs.