A 24-year-old man died after being struck by lightning while paddleboarding off Pasir Ris Beach on July 5, according to police. Seven others, aged 13 to 54, were hospitalized in conscious condition after the incident, which occurred at 4:50 p.m. near 131 Pasir Ris Road. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported five people, including one unconscious, were taken to Sengkang General Hospital, while two children were treated at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
What triggered the emergency response?
The police were alerted to the incident at 4:50 p.m. on July 5, with the man found unconscious in the water. An SCDF officer was seen performing chest compressions in a video filmed at 5:10 p.m. by an ST reader. A Light Fire Attack Vehicle and an ambulance were also present at the scene. eyewitness Muhammad Fairuz, a 40-year-old delivery rider, described seeing the group 100 meters offshore when lightning struck while the sky was clear. “I could feel the (electric) current on my fishing rod,” he said.
Why does this incident matter?
Singapore experiences an average of 176 lightning days annually, defined as days with at least one lightning detection at Changi climate station. This is the second lightning-related fatality in the region this year; a fish farm worker died in May, and three workers were hospitalized in December 2023 after lightning struck near their worksite. The incident highlights risks associated with water activities during thunderstorms, despite clear skies.
What may happen next?
Police investigations into the man’s death are ongoing, with no indication of foul play. The SCDF’s response, including the use of a Red Rhino vehicle, underscores standard emergency procedures for such incidents. Future actions could involve public awareness campaigns about lightning safety, though no official plans have been announced.
