SINGAPORE — On Thursday (25 May), a report to the police about a male who was allegedly wearing only his underwear and was seen in a drain prompted a five-hour police search along Hume Avenue in the Hillview area.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, more than 30 Gurkha officers and uniformed police officers responded to the scene and carried out an extensive search that lasted over five hours.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning. Nearby residents disclosed that a substantial number of officers, along with over ten police cars, formed a long line at the scene.
Approximately 30 Gurkha officers and uniformed police officers assisted in the search operation.
After the police arrived, a significant area was cordoned off, and iron bars were used to pry open the iron cover of the drainage ditch for further investigation, as stated by residents.
Some residents witnessed the retrieval of a suitcase from the drain.
Informed residents shared that individuals who were out for their morning exercise noticed lights inside the drainage ditch, which prompted a closer inspection.
Upon checking on the drainage, they discovered a man in it, wearing only his underwear.
By noon, residents saw waste management workers workers lifting two chairs, a mattress, a black suitcase, a brown bag, and other items from the drain.
These items were placed in garbage bags and taken away by the police.
Upon observation, the drainage ditch is approximately two meters below ground level.
After lifting the drain cover, there is a ladder that allows people to climb down. The width of the channel inside is sufficient for three people to pass through.
Suspicious light emanating from drain cover raises resident’s concern
According to TODAY, Victor Ilano, a 50-year-old resident, contacted the police after noticing a light coming from a hole in one of the drain covers during his morning walk around 6:30 am on Thursday.
“That was when I realized there was a man inside, using what appeared to be his phone to illuminate a piece of luggage,” Mr. Ilano recounted.
Initially hesitant to alert the police, as he thought the man might be engaged in repairing work, Mr. Ilano’s suspicions grew when he observed that the man was only wearing underwear.
Around 7 am, two police officers arrived at the scene after receiving Mr. Ilano’s complaint, and they seemed surprised that there really was a man in the drain. The police officers then called for backup.
As reported by the media, the police officers and workers concluded their operation at approximately 12:30 pm.
However, the man did not appear to have been found and additional information yet to be disclosed by the police.
Unauthorized entry into drains carries potential $3,000 fine
According to The Straits Times’ 2020 report, the Public Utility Board (PUB) received feedback from four different sources regarding unauthorized entry into drains.
At that time, the PUB strongly emphasized that it is strictly prohibited for members of the public to enter drains due to safety concerns. This is especially important because heavy rainfall in upstream areas can result in sudden and rapid water flow, posing a significant risk to anyone inside the drains.
The PUB made it clear that individuals who enter waterways, including drains, without permission can face fines of up to $3,000.
