65-year-old man hospitalized after ceiling collapse in 41-year-old Yishun flat

A 65-year-old man was left bloodied and hospitalized after a chunk of spalling concrete from the toilet ceiling fell on him at his Yishun HDB flat on June 19. The shocking incident has prompted public concern over the safety of ageing public housing in Singapore.

Early Morning Emergency

At around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, retiree Siti Nurhashikin’s father was using the toilet in his Yishun flat when a section of the ceiling suddenly collapsed onto him. He sustained injuries to the head, shoulder, and knee. The incident was so severe that it left the toilet door jammed, requiring his wife to force it open. The man, who is on blood-thinning medication, was rushed to hospital and received over 10 stitches.

Images shared with AsiaOne revealed dried blood on the victim’s scalp and leg, as well as concrete debris stained with blood.

HDB Responds With Investigation

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) confirmed it was alerted to the incident on the same day and immediately dispatched officers to inspect the flat at Block 127, Yishun Street 11. Investigations found loose spalling concrete on the floor of the master bedroom’s bathroom and bulging concrete in the kitchen toilet ceiling.

Although the latter did not pose imminent danger, HDB arranged for contractors to remove it on Monday, June 23, as a precautionary measure.

Repairs and Assistance Underway

HDB is assisting the family under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme, subsidizing 50% of the repair cost. Due to the family’s financial situation—both the injured man and his wife are not working—HDB has also coordinated with local grassroots organizations for additional support.

The affected flat was built 41 years ago and underwent a Home Improvement Programme (HIP) upgrade in 2018, which included new tiles, fittings, and repainting. At the time, no signs of spalling concrete were detected, hence no repairs were done.

Political and Community Support

Minister for Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC, K Shanmugam, visited the family on June 20. In a Facebook post, he expressed concern and committed to providing assistance, including covering repair costs. His volunteers are currently coordinating with HDB and the Town Council.

The victim’s daughter, Siti, thanked Shanmugam online for his swift response, emphasizing how traumatic the experience had been for her father and the rest of the family.

A Common Issue in Ageing Flats

Spalling concrete is not uncommon in older HDB flats, especially in humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It occurs when steel reinforcements within concrete corrode, causing the concrete to crack and break away.

HDB advises regular maintenance to prevent this, including sealing cracks, repainting ceilings, and improving ventilation. While minor spalling can be repaired by homeowners, large affected areas require professional intervention to avoid injury or further structural damage.

This incident casts a spotlight on the challenges faced by residents of Singapore’s ageing public housing estates. It raises urgent questions about structural maintenance and safety, particularly for vulnerable elderly residents. As Singapore and neighboring countries like Indonesia continue to urbanize, the Yishun case serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of regular inspection and proactive home care in ageing communities.

Sources: Asia One (2025) , CNA (2025)

Keywords: Yishun Concrete Collapse, HDB Toilet Incident, Spalling Concrete Injury, Elderly Injury Singapore, Home Safety Issue, HDB Flat Repairs