SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday's accident at the Downtown line worksite in Bugis should not have happened.
The temporary roof at the worksite collapsed yesterday morning, killing two and injuring eight workers.
Offering his condolences to the families of the two victims, PM Lee said in an online post on his Facebook page that he was very saddened by the incident.
"Very saddened to read about the accident at the Downtown Line work site in Bugis yesterday, in which two foreign workers were killed," he said at about 11am Thursday morning.
"It should not have happened."
PM Lee also expressed sympathy for the Singapore Civil Defence (SCDF) officers who were injured in the line of duty. Nine officers were sent to hospital for second degree chemical burns that they sustained while trying to retrieve the two bodies. All nine have been discharged.
Two officer, who were fighting the East Village Hotel fire on Monday, were taken to hospitalised for slight burns and heat exhaustion.
A fire had earlier this week engulfed East Village Hotel in Marine Parade, injuring seven adults and four children. It was put out more than eight hours after the SCDF responded to it on Monday morning.
Two SCDF firefighters were also taken to the hospital for slight burns and heat exhaustion.
"I wish them (the officers) a speedy recovery. They and all who have responded to the incidents have served bravely and are a credit to the Singapore Civil Defence Force," he added.
dassa@sph.com.sg
Downtown Line accident site Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos. (Photos: AFP, BH, SCDF, ST, TNP, Wanbao)
