Lethal scaffolding collapse at Bugis station triggers investigation

Ministry of Manpower will lead the inquiry on how two workers died and eight others were hospitalised in the worksite mishap.

For its part, the Land Transport Authority said it will cooperate fully with MoM in their investigation into the cause of the incident at the Downtown Line (DTL) Bugis station worksite.

"We will also exercise extra vigilance to prevent a similar occurrence," said LTA, assuring the public that all other scaffolding structures have been checked for structural integrity.

"The DTL Bugis station structure is substantially complete and structurally sound. The incident which is localised in nature poses no risk to surrounding developments and the public. Similar scaffolding structures at other DTL worksites have been checked and confirmed to be safe," LTA said.

The news of an inquiry came as LTA reported that the body of the second missing worker was found, bringing the total number of casualties to two from the incident. Both deceased workers were from the People's Republic of China. Earlier, eight other workers were hospitalised - five have been discharged and the remaining three are still under observation in hospital. All other workers of our contractor have been accounted for.

"LTA is deeply saddened by the loss of the two workers as well as the injuries suffered by the other eight workers," it said.