Ohin Construction and six individuals associated with a Tanjong Katong Road project were charged in court on June 11, 2025, following a sinkhole incident that injured a motorist. The charges, primarily under the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Building Control Act, follow allegations of unauthorized construction methods and oversight failures at a site where a 16m-deep shaft was being built to connect sewer lines.
The incident occurred on July 26, 2025, at approximately 5.50pm, when two lanes of Tanjong Katong Road collapsed. A driver fell into the resulting pit and was subsequently rescued by construction workers before being transported to a hospital. Following the collapse, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed that nearby residential structures, including the One Amber condominium, remained unaffected.
Did You Know?
Before the sinkhole formed, there was a road depression at the site that was not reported to the authorities, according to court documents detailing the alleged failures of the project team.
Alleged Construction Lapses
Court documents allege that Ohin Construction failed to follow approved structural plans for ground support and stabilization. Specifically, the firm is accused of constructing 27 jet grout piles with diameters smaller than those required by the plans and neglecting mandatory strength and penetration tests. Jet grouting is a technique used to brace walls during excavations by mixing soil with high-velocity fluids and self-hardening grout.
The project also faced issues with reinforced concrete caisson rings, which provide support for deep excavations. Prosecutors allege that Ohin Construction created unauthorized openings in one ring, performed unapproved horizontal grouting on another, and cast at least one ring in a non-circular shape. While the company is now in provisional liquidation, a representative for the liquidators attended the June 11 court hearing.
Individuals Charged in the Case
The six individuals facing charges include senior leadership and engineering staff. Managing director Ivan Ong Khiaw Yang (64), project director Raajkumar Nadarajan (58), and project manager Sellappan Saravanakumar (35) are among those charged. Additionally, resident engineer Senthilnathan Mathyalakan (56) and two “qualified persons,” Kee Chen Siang (39) and Yau Tze Yin (49), were hauled to court to answer for alleged licensing, supervisory, and monitoring lapses.
Expert Insight:
This case highlights the critical nature of adherence to structural plans in urban deep-excavation projects. When licensed builders deviate from approved designs—such as altering the shape of caisson rings or reducing pile specifications—they remove the safety margins intended to prevent soil collapse. The involvement of both company leadership and “qualified persons” suggests a systemic failure in the oversight chain, which is likely why regulators are now enforcing a rigorous re-approval process before any work can resume.
Next Steps for the Project
Construction at the Tanjong Katong Road site remains halted. According to a joint statement from the Ministry of Manpower, Land Transport Authority, and the BCA, the project cannot resume until new parties are appointed by PUB. These new entities must submit fresh structural plans for comprehensive safety assessments and obtain approval from the BCA Commissioner of Building Control.
The cases for the six individuals and the firm are scheduled to be heard again in court in July. Meanwhile, conditional warnings have been issued to PUB and Surbana Jurong Consultants under the Building Control Act following the completion of government investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Tanjong Katong Road sinkhole?
While the investigation is ongoing, PUB reported that a caisson ring at the adjacent worksite showed signs of failure at the same time the road collapsed. Court documents allege the failure was linked to unauthorized and non-compliant construction works, including improper caisson ring design and insufficient jet grout pile testing.
Who is responsible for the site safety?
Legal proceedings have been initiated against Ohin Construction and six individuals, including the company’s managing director, project directors, and qualified engineers. Additionally, PUB and Surbana Jurong Consultants have received conditional warnings from authorities.
Are nearby buildings safe?
Yes. Engineers from the Building and Construction Authority conducted assessments on the nearby One Amber condominium and landed houses across the road and confirmed they were not affected by the incident.
How should urban infrastructure projects balance the pressure of construction deadlines with the necessity of rigorous, transparent safety protocols?
