Tree falls on 2 cars in Dempsey area; private-hire driver freed from MPV by spa staff

A tree fell onto two vehicles in the Dempsey area of Singapore around 10 am on August 22, trapping a private-hire driver inside his car before spa staff helped free him. The incident occurred near the Museum of Ice Cream on Loewen Road, according to the driver, who described hearing a loud noise as the tree began to collapse. Saiful, 60, was operating a white Nissan multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) when he turned it out of the museum premises. He recounted seeing the tree on the left side of his car begin to fall. Despite attempting to reverse, part of the tree struck the passenger side of his vehicle, damaging the roof. This left him unable to exit the car through the doors. Spa workers nearby quickly intervened, helping Saiful escape from the driver's seat. Emergency services, including the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and an ambulance, arrived shortly afterward. They conducted a check on Saiful, confirming he suffered no injuries. His family soon joined him at the scene. The SCDF confirmed in a statement that no ambulance assistance was required. By 12:45 pm, the area remained under scrutiny as landscape contractors worked to clear debris from the fallen tree. In addition to Saiful’s MPV, a parked blue BMW was also impacted, with sections of the tree landing on its hood. By 5 pm, Loewen Road had been reopened to traffic, and both affected vehicles had been removed from the scene. The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) acknowledged the incident and stated they had coordinated with relevant stakeholders and agencies to address the situation. Their primary concern was ensuring public safety, securing the area, and facilitating the removal of the fallen tree to reduce disruptions. An SLA spokesperson emphasized that no major injuries were reported and assured the public that all other areas within Dempsey remained accessible. The authority plans to collaborate with involved parties to evaluate the incident thoroughly. They will consider whether further actions are necessary, such as inspecting nearby trees for potential risks. The swift response from the spa staff played a crucial role in freeing Saiful from his vehicle, highlighting the importance of community support during emergencies. As the cleanup continues, authorities remain focused on maintaining accessibility and safety in the area.