Far East Plaza’s Unexpected “Drop‑In” Drama
On a quiet morning at Far East Plaza, a 9:45 am routine turned into a heart‑stopping spectacle when three long wooden beams broke loose from the high ceiling and crashed onto the second‑floor concourse. The only person on the spot—a woman chill‑ing on a red bench—was lucky to escape unharmed.
What Went Down?
- Timing – The incident happened before the mall’s doors opened for most shops.
- Cause – A technician, trying to replace a faulty high‑bay lamp, accidentally flipped the winch the wrong way.
- Result – The light fitting tugged the trellis toward the ceiling, dislodging three beams that fell from level five to level two.
Eyewitness Snapshots
Mr Eric, an employee from a nearby tailor shop, recalled hearing a loud crash and seeing the woman quickly move away.
“It was early in the morning, so if the concourse had been crowded, someone might have been seriously bruised,” he said. “Most retailers open after 10 am, so we were fortunately alone.”
Meanwhile, Mr Lim from Isle Cafe mentioned that employees rushed in to clear the debris and seal off the area. The concourse was quickly fenced with barriers around the red bench, and a partially dangling beam was visible from the ceiling.
After the Chaos
- Immediate Response – Management cordoned off the concourse and launched an inspection.
- Repair Plan – The contractor will tackle the trellis issues overnight after mall closure.
- Reopening – The concourse will reopen once a thorough safety check confirms everything’s solid.
Context and History
Far East Plaza, a cornerstone of Singapore’s retail scene since 1982, isn’t new to surprises. Just a month earlier, on July 10, two glass panels fell after a customer kicked them—yet no injuries occurred, and the damage was swamped and the area sealed.
Why It Matters
Incidents like this remind us that even the most routine maintenance tasks can turn dramatic if a little misstep goes unchecked. Thankfully, quick thinking and a tad bit of luck kept everyone safe this time.
