'Sounded like a building collapsing': Fallen tree crashes cars in Kampong Glam

SINGAPORE – After enjoying breakfast with his wife at Kampong Glam on Wednesday (March 8) morning, Mr Abdul Hamed was shocked to find his parked car in Sultan Gate pinned by a fallen tree.

"I have never parked at this area before because it was always full," said the 56-year-old crew manager and depot controller. "But it was especially empty today, so I took my chance, and this had to happen."

The rear windscreen and left signal light of his brown Tivoli were damaged by the large tree, which also landed on two other cars. No injuries were reported from the incident, which happened around 11am.

"Now, I have to take urgent leave to take the car to (the workshop for) repair. But I'm also grateful that my car was not as badly hit as the other, which was between mine and the last car," said Mr Abdul Hamed.

Eyewitness Sonny Wee, who has been selling hand drums across the road for about 15 years, described the incident as sounding like "a building collapse".

"I have seen broken branches around the area, but this is my first time witnessing a tree trunk falling," said the 71-year-old. "I consider myself quite lucky. If the tree had fallen sideways, it could have hit my shop and myself."

Another eyewitness, Mr Hassan Mohd Amin, said some young children were playing near the tree just before it fell.

"I suddenly heard someone shouting and the next thing I knew, the kids were running all over the place," said the 59-year-old, who was in a stationary car and waiting for a parking space.

"They probably realised that the tree was moving... I later heard a loud cracking sound, and the next thing I saw was that the tree on top of the three cars that were next to it. Thankfully, only the cars were damaged and no one was hurt."

The Straits Times has contacted the National Parks Board for more information.

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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.