Security guard falls into lift pit, dies

A security guard died last Saturday after he fell into a lift pit while trying to prise open the lift doors at a first-storey lobby.

The 54-year-old man, an employee of security firm Soverus, was working at Singtel's Pickering Operations Complex (POC) at 20, Pickering Street.

The incident happened at about 7.45pm on Feb 27.

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), a contractor had been hired to remove promotional posters from the POC lobby.

He asked the security guard for help to manually open the lift doors so he could take down posters pasted inside the lift cabin.

As the men were trying to prise the doors apart, they suddenly slid open. The security guard lost his balance and fell into the lift pit.

It is not known why they had to prise open the doors.

A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesman said it was alerted to the incident at about 7.50pm.

EVACUATED

The SCDF sent one Red Rhino, one fire engine, one supporting vehicle and two fire bikes to the scene.

Rescuers evacuated the man from the lift pit using a stretcher and ropes.

He was taken to the Singapore General Hospital where he died from his injuries on Feb 28.

The police are investigating the unnatural death, a spokesman said.

MOM said it has instructed that building occupants not to use the lift while investigations are ongoing.

When The New Paper visited the building on Wednesday, Lift 5 had an "out of operation" sign in front of it.

Singtel director of group communications Michele Batchelor confirmed the incident.

"We are providing full co-operation to support ongoing investigations," she said.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the officer during this difficult time, and we will work with the security agency to extend necessary support."

Soverus did not respond by press time.

lawsm@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on March 07, 2015.
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