SINGAPORE — A routine drive through Singapore’s Dempsey area turned frightening on Saturday morning when a large tree suddenly toppled onto two vehicles, trapping a 60-year-old private-hire driver inside his car.
The incident happened at about 10am on Aug. 22 along Loewen Road, near the Museum of Ice Cream, according to the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
The driver, identified by The Straits Times as Saiful, 60, said he was turning his white Nissan MPV out of the Museum of Ice Cream when he heard a loud cracking sound.
He looked up and saw the tree beginning to topple.
Saiful tried to reverse his vehicle, but part of the tree had already fallen onto the passenger side, crushing the roof and leaving him unable to open the door from inside the vehicle.
Nearby workers rushed to help
With the driver trapped inside, employees from a nearby spa came out and helped free him from the driver’s seat before emergency responders arrived.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and an ambulance subsequently attended the scene and assessed Saiful. He was not injured, and SCDF said ambulance assistance was ultimately not required. His family also arrived shortly afterwards.
The fallen tree did not affect only the private-hire vehicle.
A parked blue BMW was also struck, with portions of the tree landing on its bonnet, according to The Straits Times.
Loewen Road temporarily blocked
The fallen tree and debris caused disruption along Loewen Road while landscape contractors worked to remove the branches and clear the affected area.
The Straits Times reported that the road remained blocked around 12.45pm as contractors continued clearing the tree. By around 5pm, the road had been reopened and the affected vehicles had been cleared, according to AsiaOne’s later report.
The SLA confirmed that it had responded to the incident with relevant stakeholders and agencies.
In a statement issued on Aug. 22, the authority said its immediate priority was to protect public safety, secure the affected area and facilitate the safe removal of the fallen tree. It also said there were no major injuries reported.
SLA added that it would work with stakeholders and agencies to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether further measures were necessary, including checks on surrounding trees.
No major injuries reported — but the incident raises questions
While the driver escaped without injury, the incident highlights the potential danger posed when large roadside trees unexpectedly fail.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly stated what caused the tree to fall. SLA said it would assess the circumstances and consider appropriate follow-up measures, including inspections of surrounding trees where necessary.
The incident also drew attention because the driver was not rescued by emergency crews alone. Workers from a nearby spa reportedly responded quickly and helped him get out of the damaged vehicle before SCDF and the ambulance arrived.
For motorists travelling through Dempsey, the episode was a stark reminder of how quickly an apparently ordinary journey can turn dangerous.
And for Saiful, the frightening moment began with just one warning sign: a loud crack before the tree started coming down.
What we know so far
- When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at about 10am
- Where: Loewen Road, Dempsey
- Driver: 60-year-old private-hire driver, identified as Saiful
- Vehicles affected: A white Nissan MPV and a parked blue BMW
- Injuries: No major injuries reported; the PHV driver was unhurt
- Rescue: Nearby spa employees helped free the trapped driver
- Authorities: SCDF and other relevant agencies attended the scene
- Road status: Loewen Road was temporarily blocked during debris removal and was later reopened
- Follow-up: SLA said circumstances would be assessed and surrounding trees may be checked if necessary
Leave a Reply