Massive jam at Tuas Checkpoint after two canopies collapse in arrival lanes

Update: The fallen canopies have been cleared and operations at the Tuas checkpoint have returned to normal since 1.45pm. 

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is advising all motorists arriving into Singapore to avoid using the Tuas Checkpoint following an incident where two tentage canopies collapsed on Wednesday (Aug 3) morning.

In an initial Faceboook post at 7am, ICA said the incident happened at about 5.35am and motorists can expect delays.

In an update at about 10am, ICA said that two canopies at the arrival motorcycle and car lane fell due to "very strong winds and heavy thunderstorm."

A Malaysian motorcyclist and his pillion rider were injured and taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in Jurong. No drivers in the car zone were injured, said ICA.

ICA said: "The traffic situation is gradually resuming to normalcy and clearance of the fallen structure is ongoing."

Motorists using the Second Link are urged to check for the latest traffic updates via the Land Transport Authority's One Motoring website or MyTransport.SG portal before they embark on their journey.

For safety reasons, arriving cars and motorcycles are being diverted to other zones for clearance. Motorists are advised to co-operate with officers on site. ICA said it will ensure that safety and border security will not be compromised while traffic is being managed.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and seek the understanding from travellers using the checkpoint," added ICA.

Social media users took to Facebook to post photos of the scene of the collapsed tentages and traffic jam.

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/hassan.ee.3/posts/1672894376367649[/embed]

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/kuttyboyh/posts/907503022728562[/embed]

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/nanie.emkay/posts/1235986993078622[/embed]

sujint@sph.com.sg