Heroic Indian Migrant Worker Rescues Woman from Sinkhole in Singapore
One man’s quick thinking likely saved a life—and it’s the kind of story that makes you pause. In Singapore’s Tanjong Katong Road South, a massive sinkhole opened up on Saturday evening, swallowing a car and nearly taking a woman’s life. As the incident unfolded, a 46-year-old Indian migrant worker stepped in without hesitation.
Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, a site foreman with Ohin Construction, acted so quickly it caught onlookers by surprise. While most people froze or backed away, Subbiah leapt into action, leading a rescue that may have prevented a tragedy.
Timeline of the Sinkhole Incident
Here’s how events unfolded on that chaotic evening:
- Approximately 6:45 PM (local time): Residents nearby heard a thunderous sound as the road caved in.
- Within moments: A sedan was seen disappearing into what witnesses described as a crater filled with rainwater.
- Shortly afterward: Subbiah spotted the accident and immediately coordinated a rescue effort.
- Emergency services: The SCDF was alerted and arrived at the scene moments after the woman had been pulled to safety.
The whole thing played out fast—but not before panic set in. You can imagine the confusion on the faces of drivers and pedestrians nearby. The road, one moment intact, the next gone. There’s no real warning when nature punches a hole through concrete.
The Fast and Selfless Response
Subbiah didn’t just notice the sinkhole. He saw the danger and ran toward it. Speaking to reporters, he shared:
“I heard a loud sound and saw the road collapse. A car had gone in. I told three of my guys to get a nylon rope immediately. We threw it down, and the woman opened her door and grabbed it.”
They didn’t wait for instructions. They didn’t form a committee. They just acted. The woman—shaken but responsive—held onto the rope tightly. With collaboration and strength, the trio pulled her up slowly and carefully, avoiding sharp debris along the sinkhole’s rim.
Official Statements Show Gratitude
The daring rescue didn’t go unnoticed by the authorities. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) released a statement acknowledging the courage shown by the workers:
“The SCDF will be reaching out to the workers to commend them for their bravery and prompt action in saving a life.”
It’s not every day a construction worker is publicly thanked like this. But Subbiah’s team didn’t do it for credit. When asked if he felt like a hero, Subbiah reportedly shook his head with a smile and said, “No, I just did what anyone should do.”
Community Response: Grateful but Worried
Tanjong Katong Road South sees steady activity daily—commuters, families, food delivery riders. After the incident, local residents voiced a mix of shock and concern during on-the-ground interviews.
One resident, Ms. Clara Lim, said:
“We always walk by that stretch for groceries. It’s scary to think something like this could happen without warning.”
A few business owners nearby said traffic has been rerouted while authorities investigate the cause. Most shared relief that it hadn’t happened during peak hours. Still, there’s unease lingering in the air. No one quite expects the ground to give way below their feet.
Behind the Heroism: Who is Pitchai Subbiah?
Subbiah has worked in Singapore for several years. Colleagues describe him as quiet but dependable—the sort of foreman who checks everyone’s harnesses twice before a lift. Born in southern India, he came to Singapore to support his family back home. He isn’t someone hungry for fame or headlines. But now, he has stepped into both.
During a brief pause between work shifts, Subbiah reflected:
“I think anyone would have done it. She needed help, and we were nearby. Everything else just… disappeared at that moment.”
His words may be humble, but make no mistake—this was bravery in action.
What’s Next? Safety Measures in Focus
The immediate priority for local authorities is safety. Engineers from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and SCDF specialists were seen examining soil stability and water drainage systems in the area. There’s concern the sinkhole may have originated from underground erosion or a burst pipe worsened by recent rains.
Some potential next steps include:
- Conducting ultrasound mapping of nearby roads.
- Increasing routine underground surveys in urban areas.
- Reviewing past complaints of minor sink spots previously reported in the vicinity.
- Interviewing eyewitnesses for a complete reconstruction of the event timeline.
You might not think of Singapore as a place for sinkholes—they’re rare here. But this incident has triggered a wider discussion about the state of infrastructure and early warning systems.
Public Thanks and Wider Awareness
This rescue isn’t just about a single good deed. It’s about how quick action, teamwork, and a little courage can create ripple effects. Across social media, comments overflowed with thanks directed at Subbiah and his crew.
- “Heroes wear safety vests too,” one local netizen wrote.
- Another remarked, “Hope the government recognizes these frontline workers properly.”
Employers have also indicated plans to officially commend Subbiah and his co-workers. Something as simple as a plaque or a public citation can go a long way in validating the important human role migrant workers play every single day.
Subbiah has become a bit of a local figure now—though those close to him say he’s likely to retreat quietly back to work, with a story to one day tell his grandchildren.
A Reminder for All of Us
Disasters don’t announce themselves, and heroes aren’t always in uniform. What happened on that stretch of road was frightening. But it also revealed the extraordinary hidden in plain sight.
If you’ve ever questioned how far someone will go to help a stranger, remember this story. And maybe keep a rope on hand—just in case.
