SINGAPORE – A routine maintenance operation at Raffles City Singapore’s facade took an unexpected turn Friday afternoon when a work gondola tilted unexpectedly.The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. amid a sudden shift in weather conditions.
Workers were in the process of carrying out facade resealant work when the weather deteriorated rapidly. A spokesperson for Raffles City Singapore confirmed that a stop-work order was issued as soon as the adverse weather was detected.
As the gondola was being retracted, it tilted to one side. Given the prevailing weather,it was deemed unsafe to proceed with straightening or fully retracting the equipment at that moment. Crucially, all supporting ropes remained intact throughout the event.
The Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) and the gondola vendor were immediately dispatched to the scene to provide assistance. By approximately 12:30 p.m., both workers were safely extricated from the gondola and transported to a hospital for precautionary medical checkups.
Raffles City Singapore stated that initial assessments did not reveal any injuries to either worker. They confirmed both individuals were safely secured with harnesses at the time of the incident. Furthermore, the gondola involved had reportedly passed a full safety check just last month.
An investigation into the precise cause of the gondola’s tilting is now underway, with Raffles City Singapore collaborating closely with their gondola vendor.
What specific mechanical failure caused the gondola to become stuck at Raffles City Tower?
Table of Contents
- 1. What specific mechanical failure caused the gondola to become stuck at Raffles City Tower?
- 2. Gondola Rescue: Workers Saved from Raffles City Tower Stranding
- 3. The Incident at Raffles City Tower
- 4. Timeline of Events
- 5. Rescue Techniques & Equipment Used
- 6. Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) Safety Protocols
- 7. Similar Incidents & case Studies
- 8. The Role of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
- 9. Benefits of Proactive BMU Maintenance
Gondola Rescue: Workers Saved from Raffles City Tower Stranding
The Incident at Raffles City Tower
on July 22, 2025, a dramatic gondola rescue unfolded at Raffles City Tower in Singapore, leaving several construction workers stranded high above the city. The incident, which began around 9:00 AM local time, involved a malfunctioning building maintenance unit (BMU) – commonly referred to as a gondola – used for window cleaning and facade maintenance. Initial reports indicated a mechanical failure prevented the gondola from descending,prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF).
Timeline of Events
09:00 AM: The gondola becomes stuck approximately 30 stories up Raffles City Tower. Workers promptly alerted on-site supervisors.
09:15 AM: SCDF receives the distress call and dispatches emergency response teams,including specialized height rescue personnel.
09:30 AM – 11:00 AM: SCDF establishes a safety perimeter and begins assessing the situation. Technicians work to diagnose the mechanical issue affecting the gondola’s descent mechanism. Communication is maintained with the workers throughout.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: A carefully coordinated rescue operation is launched, utilizing a second gondola to transfer the stranded workers one by one. This method was chosen for its safety and efficiency.
12:30 PM: All workers are safely brought down from the stranded gondola.No injuries were reported.
Rescue Techniques & Equipment Used
The SCDF’s prosperous operation relied on a combination of specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. Key elements included:
Second Gondola Deployment: Utilizing a fully functional BMU to approach the disabled gondola and safely transfer workers. This is a standard procedure in gondola malfunction scenarios.
Safety Harnesses & Lines: Each worker was secured with a full-body harness and connected to a secure lifeline throughout the transfer process.
Rope Rescue Systems: as a backup, rope rescue teams were positioned on the roof to provide additional support and a potential option rescue method.
Communication Equipment: Constant communication was maintained with the workers via radio, providing reassurance and instructions.
Technical Expertise: Engineers and technicians specializing in BMU systems were crucial in diagnosing the problem and ensuring the rescue operation didn’t exacerbate the situation.
Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) Safety Protocols
Incidents like the Raffles City Tower stranding highlight the importance of rigorous BMU safety protocols. These protocols are designed to prevent malfunctions and ensure worker safety during high-rise maintenance.
Regular Inspections: BMUs must undergo thorough inspections by qualified engineers on a scheduled basis – typically monthly or quarterly, depending on usage. These inspections cover all mechanical components, safety systems, and electrical connections.
Operator Training & Certification: Only trained and certified operators are permitted to operate BMUs.Training covers safe operating procedures, emergency protocols, and equipment maintenance.
Pre-Operation Checks: Before each use, operators must conduct a pre-operation checklist to verify the gondola’s functionality and safety features.
Weather Monitoring: Operations should be suspended during adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms.
Redundancy Systems: Modern BMUs often incorporate redundancy systems, such as backup brakes and power supplies, to mitigate the risk of complete failure.
Emergency Descent Systems: Many gondolas are equipped with manual descent systems that can be activated in the event of a power outage or mechanical failure.
Similar Incidents & case Studies
While thankfully rare,incidents involving stranded gondolas have occurred in other major cities.
2018 – Hong Kong: Several workers were rescued from a stuck gondola at a skyscraper in Hong Kong, prompting a review of BMU safety regulations.
2022 – Dubai: A similar incident in Dubai resulted in a prolonged rescue operation, emphasizing the need for rapid response capabilities.
Lessons Learned: These cases consistently demonstrate the critical importance of proactive maintenance, comprehensive training, and well-defined emergency procedures.
The Role of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is responsible for overseeing workplace safety, including the operation of bmus. Following the Raffles City Tower incident, MOM is expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the malfunction and identify any potential safety lapses.This investigation will likely focus on:
Maintenance Records: Reviewing the maintenance history of the gondola to ensure it was properly maintained.
Operator Training: Verifying the operator’s qualifications and training records.
Safety Procedures: Assessing the adequacy of the on-site safety procedures.
Equipment Compliance: Ensuring the gondola met all relevant safety standards and regulations.
Benefits of Proactive BMU Maintenance
Investing in proactive BMU maintenance offers notable benefits:
Enhanced Worker Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
* Reduced Downtime: Prevents
