Family in Woodlands faces harrowing moments after rental car locks itself with child inside.
A distressing incident unfolded in Singapore’s Woodlands area when a young girl was trapped inside a GetGo rental car for over 20 minutes, forcing her family to call emergency services for rescue.
Girl Locked Inside Rental Car After App Error
The incident occurred around 11 PM on April 25, 2025, at a loading bay in Woodlands. After unlocking the GetGo vehicle via the app, the young girl entered the rear seats. However, as the mother attempted to open the driver’s side door, the car locked itself again, trapping the child inside. Repeated attempts to unlock the vehicle through the app failed, triggering a terrifying ordeal for the family.
Family Battles App Malfunction Amid Rising Panic
The mother immediately contacted GetGo’s customer service, spending 20 anxious minutes trying to unlock the doors remotely while comforting her crying daughter. Despite GetGo staff’s attempts to override the lock remotely, the car remained sealed, escalating the family’s distress.
Faced with no other option, the mother contacted the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for urgent assistance. Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, using tools to force open the driver’s side door. The young girl was successfully rescued, visibly shaken but unharmed, and reunited with her family.
According to the SCDF, the vehicle’s door catch was found broken, which likely caused the malfunction. In the heat of the situation, GetGo initially indicated that the family would be responsible for damages caused during the forced entry, further upsetting the already distraught parents.
GetGo Clarifies and Assures No Charges
Following public concern, GetGo issued an official statement confirming that the affected family would not be liable for any damages. A spokesperson emphasized that the company prioritizes user safety and acknowledged that their response time could have been faster. The company pledged to review and improve its internal escalation protocols to handle future emergencies more efficiently.
GetGo described the event as unprecedented in its operational history. It assured customers that a thorough investigation is underway to prevent similar incidents, highlighting the importance of vehicle maintenance checks and rapid customer service responses in high-stress situations.
This incident sheds light on the critical importance of responsive service and robust vehicle management in Singapore’s growing car rental industry. Families and daily commuters alike place immense trust in these services, making quick action, transparent communication, and a customer-first approach non-negotiable for service providers.
The GetGo incident serves as a serious reminder of the vital role emergency preparedness and technology reliability play in daily life. As Singaporeans increasingly rely on car-sharing services, ensuring safety, swift crisis responses, and maintaining public trust must remain top priorities to support the growing ecosystem of urban mobility solutions.
Sources: Must Share News (2025), SG Talk (2025)
Keywords: GetGo Car, Young Girl Rescue, SCDF Singapore, Car Lock Incident, Woodlands Emergency, Singapore Rental Car
