Ceiling light crashes to ground during match at Singapore Basketball Centre; all activities suspended, no injuries

SINGAPORE — A ceiling light crashed onto the ground during a Women's National Basketball League match on Saturday (Nov 12) evening, forcing all activities at the Singapore Basketball Centre to be stopped temporarily until the facility in Aljunied is certified safe.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the Basketball Association of Singapore on Monday said that the incident happened at about 7.55pm on Saturday during a match between Radin Mas Community Sports Club and Siglap White.

At the time of the incident, there were about 80 people at the venue, comprising players, officials, spectators and volunteers.

“Six technical officials and a competition manager were stationed near the scene of the incident. No one was injured in the incident,” said Mr James Soh, the general manager of the Basketball Association of Singapore.

The game between the two teams, as well as the remaining game on Saturday, were suspended immediately following the incident.  

Mr Soh added that the games scheduled for Nov 13 and Nov 16 have also been postponed.

‘We are currently working with Sport Singapore to work out alternate game venues to facilitate subsequent matches safely with minimal disruption,” said Mr Soh.

“All activities at the Singapore Basketball Centre have been stopped temporarily until the rectification process is complete and the facility is certified safe for play.”

Mr Soh said that there were “no clear signs or indicators before the incident occurred”.

“Maintenance is conducted regularly, with the most recent light check in August during the Men’s National Basketball League,” he said.

Following the incident, Mr Soh said that investigation and rectification work commenced promptly on Saturday.

“The affected circuit was isolated immediately with subsequent safety checks performed across all lighting points. Technical equipment and connected circuits were also tested to ensure they are kept in safe working condition,” he said.

“The safety of our premises remains our top priority. Investigations and rectifications are currently underway.”

A livestream video on the association’s YouTube channel shows the incident occurring roughly at the three-and-a-half hour mark during the fourth quarter of the Pennant Cup match between Radin Mas Community Sports Club and Siglap White.

A loud bang is heard before what appears to be a ceiling light drops in front of the scorer’s table.

The play is stopped before someone begins to sweep away the debris.