Singapore boy falls to death from Orchard Central linkway

On Feb 24, 17-year-old Jonathan Chow Hua Guang fell to his death from the 4th storey linkway between Orchard Central and Orchard Gateway, Singapore.

The incident

According to The Straits Times, the incident happened at around 4 pm. Apparently, the boy was trying to take a photo on the linkway bridge, when his phone fell onto the ledge behind. He climbed over the glass railing, and onto the ledge in an attempt to retrieve the phone.

However, what looked like a ‘ledge’ was actually a plasterboard casing kept solely for decorative purposes, and not meant to bear heavy loads. It collapsed under his weight, and sent him crashing 4 storeys below.

He was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and CPR was administered on the way, but to no avail.

Police are currently investigating the incident. The link bridge meanwhile, has been closed to the public after the mishap.

Ms Mavis Seow, chief executive of Far East Organization’s retail business group, which owns Orchard Central, has been quoted as saying, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

“We are cooperating with the authorities in their investigations. Together with our building consultants, we are currently reviewing if any other measures, in addition to the glass barrier, are required.”

PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/JONATHAN CHOW

Friends and family shocked

Jonathan’s father has been quoted by Shin Min Daily News as saying,  “I am not even sure of what happened (on Friday).”

From his Facebook, it is understood that Jonathan was earlier studying at Randwick Boys High School, in Sydney, Australia. The oldest of two boys in the family, Jonathan had returned to Singapore only last year, to be enlisted for national service.

The young man’s unexpected and tragic death has come as a huge shock to his friends and family.

PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/JONATHAN CHOW

His friends have meanwhile, taken to social media to express their condolences. They have called him “a great friend and an amazing person.” Videos posted of him give the impression that Jonathan was a skateboard enthusiast.

Online video leaked. What actually happened?

An online video has been doing the rounds on the Internet. This 15 second video posted on Shin Min Daily News, shows what happened moments before Jonathan’s death.

According to The Straits Times, Orchard Gateway has verified the authenticity of the video. It shows Jonathan talking to a girl, then turning around and vaulting across the railing. The girl is suddenly shocked and that’s when it would have all ended.

What would have happened? Was he trying to show off in front of his girlfriend? Was it for that elusive selfie?

Unfortunately, we will never know. A young, fragile life has been lost too soon, too carelessly. We hope that youngsters of today pay more attention to their safety, and resist the urge to allow their phones to take control of their lives.

We hope and pray that the family finds strength to bear this loss.

Also READ: Little boy falls to death in Singapore

(Source: The Straits Times, Channel News Asia, The New Paper)

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