A sinkhole appeared in the centre lane of Clementi Road towards West Coast Road on Monday. It measured about two metres wide and three metres deep.
A male motorcyclist claimed that he fell into it on his way to work. He posted photos of his injured hand on his Facebook page, and said he was given four days of medical leave after being treated at the National University Hospital.
Mr Daniel Lie was driving along Clementi Road when he saw a man directing traffic in front of the sinkhole. He subsequently parked his pick-up in front of the sinkhole to warn other motorists.
Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr Chong Kee Sen, Vice President of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore said, "Sinkholes occur when there is a loss of ground and the soil underneath the hole has disappeared."
He added that sinkholes can be caused by broken or leaking pipes and excavation works and when soil is removed from the ground, pockets of loose soil could migrate to the site.
The cause of the incident is still unknown. The Land Transport Authority, which repaired the hole on the same day, said it was investigating.
