

Driver killed when tree falls during downpour

SINGAPORE: A driver was killed when a tree fell and hit the car
he was in during heavy rain Tuesday afternoon at the junction of
Thomson Hill Drive and Yio Chu Kang Rd.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the victim was
pronounced dead when its personnel arrived at about 2.50pm.
The SCDF said the car was badly damaged.
Rescuers took about 20 minutes to remove his body, using two
hydraulic spreader cutters.
It is understood that the driver suffered injuries to his
spine.
Vehicles were diverted from the incident site.
Another fallen tree was also reported along Upper Thomson
Road.
The tree blocked all three lanes of the road.
An NParks spokesperson said that there was strong wind and rain
at the time of the incident.
The tree was removed at around 4.45pm.
The spokesperson added that NParks will be inspecting the trees
in the vicinity, and that its priority is to accord assistance to
the family of the driver.
— CNA/jm