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		Carolyn Quek Tue, May 20, 2008 The Straits Times
Lorry spills 20 foreign workers in crash
A LORRY ferrying foreign workers flipped onto its side early yesterday morning, sending 20 men tumbling out. No one was badly injured when the open-top vehicle carrying Bangladeshi workers crashed into the centre divider along Farrer Road. The accident - the latest in a string of similar ones involving crews of foreign workers - happened on the Farrer Flyover at about 5.30am as the lorry was travelling towards Queensway.

All except two of the 21 passengers - 20 at the back and one in the front passenger seat - escaped with scratches.

One man fractured his finger while another had a bruised forehead and complained of dizziness.

Such accidents have been on the rise.

In January, five lorries were in two separate collisions within seconds of each other along Pioneer Road, injuring 53 foreign workers.

Many were hit by the planks they had been sitting on.

Last year, 184 workers were injured in similar accidents. Two were killed.

This was an increase over 2006's casualty toll which stood at 81, with five dead and 76 others injured.

There is a 60kmh speed limit on vehicles ferrying workers, as well as limits to how many are allowed to be packed on board.

The Land Transport Authority said 226 goods vehicles were caught with too many workers on the decks last year, down from 293 in 2006.

carolynq@sph.com.sg