5 days ago
- Automotive
- Online Citizen
MINDEF: Faulty component caused SAF Leopard 2SG tank to lose control, hit traffic light
SINGAPORE: A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) tank that collided with a traffic light during a National Day Parade (NDP) education show was found to have suffered a technical fault, resulting in a loss of steering and braking power.
Speaking at a media event on 8 July, Colonel David Kwek, co-chairman of the NDP 2025 Heartland Celebrations Committee, said preliminary investigations indicated a fault in 'an isolated component' of the Leopard 2SG (L2SG) tank.
He added that more detailed reviews would be carried out 'out of an abundance of caution'.
The incident took place at around 7.20pm on 5 July, along North Bridge Road, following the Mobile Column segment of the NDP National Education (NE) Show 2.
The tank was making a right turn outside Parliament House and the Supreme Court when it failed to stop and struck a traffic light.
Footage of the incident showed the tank proceeding forward during the turn and bumping into the traffic light.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the vehicle remained within the cordoned area, away from the public.
The L2SG was travelling below the 20km/h speed limit, and the crew had followed standard operating procedures.
The vehicle itself sustained no damage.
The traffic light suffered minor damage and was left askew but has since been repaired.
The Leopard 2SG is part of the mobile column for NDP 2025, which showcases Singapore's military hardware during the parade.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) had earlier confirmed that the accident occurred after the mobile column segment had concluded and was due to a technical issue.
Colonel Kwek emphasised that the safety and well-being of both the public and the tank crew remain the top priority.
He added that the tank, which leads the mobile column line-up, will resume participation in NDP 2025 events once all necessary safety checks and clearances are completed.
