Truck driver arrested after vehicle damages CTE tunnel ceiling

SINGAPORE – A 55-year-old man was arrested on Nov 8 after driving an over-height vehicle that damaged the Cairnhill Circle entrance to the Central Expressway (CTE) tunnel and resulted in the closure of the ramp leading to it.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, police said they were alerted to an accident involving a truck along the CTE towards the Seletar Expressway (SLE) around noon on Nov 8.

They added that although no injuries were reported, the driver was arrested for illegally driving a heavy motor vehicle over a height of 4.5 meters without being accompanied by a police officer or an auxiliary police officer.

The Land Transport Authority said the accident caused damage to certain electrical and mechanical equipment on the tunnel ceiling.

However, no structural damage was caused to the tunnel, it added.

Restoration work is underway.

In a video posted to social media before the ramp’s closure, dashcam footage of vehicles entering the tunnel shows many cables dangling from the tunnel’s ceiling. The lane guidance lights can also be seen flickering.

Also seen is a stationary yellow truck with the company name, A&T Waste Haulage Services, printed on the side.

The police investigation is ongoing.