Child hits abdomen on plastic divider, suffers internal bleeding and undergoes emergency surgery
What began as an ordinary evening of play turned into a medical emergency when a nine-year-old boy in Bukit Batok fell from monkey bars and suffered a kidney rupture, leading to its surgical removal.
A Routine Play Ends in Emergency
On June 20, 2025, at approximately 6pm, nine-year-old Liu Jun Wen was playing with his neighbours at the playground next to Block 443D Bukit Batok West Avenue 8. While using the monkey bars—estimated to be 1.8 meters high—Jun Wen slipped and fell, hitting a plastic partition hard with his abdomen.
According to his father, Liu Zhiyuan, 46, Jun Wen returned home crying and complaining of intense stomach pain. Although his face looked pale, there were no visible injuries. Thinking it might be a minor impact, his parents advised him to rest.
Signs of Trouble Prompt Hospital Rush
As Jun Wen’s discomfort worsened, he began asking for water repeatedly. When his mother, Zheng Meiyan, 38, noticed blood in his urine while bathing him at 9pm, she rushed him to the hospital. Initial scans showed internal bleeding, and he was given a blood transfusion before undergoing detailed imaging.
By midnight, doctors confirmed a severe rupture in Jun Wen’s right kidney—measuring about 10 centimeters. The organ was beyond repair and needed immediate removal to save his life.
Surgery and Recovery in ICU
Jun Wen underwent emergency surgery on June 21 at National University Hospital. The operation lasted three to four hours, during which doctors removed the ruptured kidney. He was subsequently placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for observation. At the time of reporting, he was able to speak but had to be fed via tube.
Doctors noted that while the injury was rare for a playground fall, the impact to the abdomen was strong enough to cause catastrophic internal damage. Kidneys, which process large volumes of blood, can lead to rapid internal bleeding when severely injured.
Parents Urge Vigilance After Rare Incident
Jun Wen’s parents have since urged others to be more watchful when children play outdoors. “We thought he was old enough to be careful on his own,” said Liu. “But accidents like this happen in a second.”
When visited by reporters, the playground remained active with children—some accompanied by adults, others not. As of now, there has been no public statement regarding a safety review or inspection of the site.
Long-Term Outlook and Financial Worry
The family is still uncertain about the full medical costs, which are expected to reach tens of thousands of dollars. Liu, the sole breadwinner for a family of five, said their priority is now Jun Wen’s recovery and adjusting his lifestyle post-surgery. His mother added that they will regulate his diet closely once he returns home, especially to reduce strain on his remaining kidney.
Despite the trauma, medical experts assure that a person can live normally with one kidney. “The remaining kidney will compensate,” said Dr. Desmond Wai, a gastroenterologist interviewed by Shin Min. He also emphasized that most such injuries are usually caused by more violent impacts, making Jun Wen’s case exceptionally rare.
Jun Wen’s tragic accident shines a spotlight on playground safety and the importance of supervision—even for older children. For communities across Singapore and Indonesia, the incident serves as a reminder that vigilance, maintenance, and awareness are vital in preventing life-altering injuries in seemingly harmless environments.
Sources: Mothership (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Monkey Bar Fall, Ruptured Kidney, Bukit Batok Playground, Jun Wen Accident, Emergency Surgery, Playground Safety Incident
