Hilton to replace all external false ceiling after collapse

Hilton to replace all external false ceiling after collapse

SINGAPORE - The Hilton Singapore will be replacing all of the hotel's external false ceiling, after the ceiling over the driveway collapsed last December due to heavy rain.

A black Volvo and white Prime Royal taxi were caught under the roof when it caved in on Dec 13, and four people were taken to hospital.

The hotel in Orchard Road will be progressively replacing the ceiling with perforated metal false ceiling, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 3). Previously, the ceiling was made of plasterboard with an aluminium frame.

The false ceiling had collapsed as a result of "deterioration of the connections that supported the ceiling system", according to an investigation report by a professional engineer appointed by the hotel.

BCA noted that this had led to an "uneven distribution of load on the ceiling system", causing the false ceiling to collapse.

Repair works to the false ceiling at the main entrance of the hotel have since been completed and the engineer has certified the area to be safe for public access, the authority added. Hence, it has allowed the hotel to reopen the affected area at its main entrance.

The engineer has also inspected the walkway beside the main entrance and given it the all-clear for continued use.

When contacted by The Straits Times, Hilton Singapore noted that it reopened the main entrance to the hotel one week after the incident.

The hotel added that it has plans in place to continue to upgrade the area and walkway.

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This article was first published on MONTH DAY, 2016.
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