Indian Migrant Workers Hailed as Heroes After Singapore Sinkhole Rescue
In a scene that unfolded almost like a movie, seven Indian migrant workers sprang into action after a car plunged into a sinkhole in Singapore. Thanks to their quick thinking and courage, the driver—an unidentified woman—was saved within minutes from what could have been a much worse outcome. The rescue, which took place last Saturday near Tanjong Katong Road South, has sparked an outpouring of gratitude, donations, and official praise across the island nation.
Timeline of the Sinkhole Incident
At around 5:50 PM last Saturday, the ground near an active construction site on Tanjong Katong Road South suddenly gave way. According to Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), a concrete component in a 16-metre-deep shaft collapsed, leading to the creation of a massive sinkhole. A car driving along the road fell into the void almost immediately.
The location is adjacent to a deep tunneling project involving PUB’s ongoing sewer connection work. Without hesitation, seven men—working at the site—rushed to the scene. Led by 47-year-old site foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, they used a rope to pull the woman out of the wrecked vehicle as water pooled around them. Within minutes, she was safe. The heroic team includes:
- Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah (47)
- Velmurugan Muthusamy (27)
- Poomalai Saravanan (28)
- Ganesan Veerasekar (32)
- Bose Ajithkumar (26)
- Narayanasamy Mayakrishnan (25)
- Sathapillai Rajendran (56)
Official Statements from Authorities
Almost immediately, praise for the men began pouring in. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam acknowledged their bravery in a Facebook post, writing:
“Bravo! Thanks to the migrant workers led by foreman Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah. They moved quickly and with courage.”
Beyond the kind words, the President has invited all seven men to a special gathering at the Istana Open House this Sunday, August 3. “There will be opportunities for interaction between the guests – including the migrant workers – and the president during the Istana open house,” the President’s Office stated.
The Ministry of Manpower’s ACE (Assurance, Care and Engagement) Group also stepped in to commend the workers. Each man received an ACE Coin, which MOM describes as a “token of appreciation” for those who’ve shown bravery and selflessness during emergencies.
“It is also awarded to migrant workers who demonstrate courage, initiative or public spiritedness in times of need,” said a ministry spokesperson.
Public Support and Community Response
Singaporeans have rallied around the workers on social media and in real life. A well-known local charity, ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR), launched a fundraising campaign to show appreciation. As of today, over 1,600 donors have contributed a total of SGD72,241, all of which will be divided evenly among the seven men.
IRR shared their gratitude on Facebook:
“Thank you, Singapore for your overwhelming kindness and generosity to the brave sinkhole rescue migrant worker heroes!”
The charity also announced plans to organize a meet-and-greet with the group. “We will be hosting a meet and greet with these workers as soon as we are able to arrange it,” IRR noted. The mood is both grateful and celebratory—but it’s also prompting reflection on how society treats migrant laborers more broadly.
The Sinkhole’s Cause and Official Background
The concrete failure that triggered the sinkhole occurred during deep shaft construction work—a complex and risky job. PUB investigators have said they are reviewing the situation thoroughly. While the woman involved escaped without major injuries, work at the site has reportedly been paused while safety checks continue.
The incident has also raised urgent concerns about ground stability and infrastructure monitoring. Though rare, sinkholes pose serious hazards in urban areas and potential future oversight may be on the cards.
Mixed Reactions to ACE Coin Recognition
The ACE Coins awarded to the rescuers have sparked debate. Some on social media felt the workers deserved more tangible rewards, perhaps financial incentives or formal honors. Others viewed the coin as a thoughtful gesture in line with Singapore’s established practices.
MOM officials responded positively to the feedback. “We are encouraged to receive feedback calling for more forms of appreciation,” said a Ministry representative. That may hint at further gestures to come—though that remains unconfirmed.
What’s Next for the Workers?
The seven men, all from Tamil Nadu, are employed in demanding construction roles that frequently go unnoticed. Their recognition this week is a moment of visibility a long time overdue. Meeting President Tharman this Sunday is likely to be a proud moment not just for them, but for their families back home too.
As Singapore gears up for National Day celebrations, this particular story has struck a note with many. It’s a reminder—maybe even a nudge—about the quiet, essential roles migrant workers play here. Not every day do such people become the subject of national gratitude and admiration, but perhaps they should be, more often.
The Singaporean public, too, seems to be asking bigger questions now. What else can we do? How else can we say thank you? The conversation has only just begun.
In Their Own Way, Real-Life Heroes
It’s difficult to know what was going through Subbiah’s mind when he saw the car go down. Some instinct, maybe. Or maybe it’s simpler than that—just people helping people. Either way, he and his team will enter Sunday’s event not just as guest workers, but as respected heroes.
If you’re in Singapore this weekend and find yourself near the Istana, it might be worth stopping by. Not for photos or spectacle. Just to quietly say thanks.
