Car crash in Chinatown sends two to hospital

SINGAPORE: Two people were rushed to the hospital on Friday morning after a car crash in Chinatown.

The car mounted a kerb and damaged the front of Weng Cheong Jewellery shop on Upper Cross Street, leaving the vehicle wedged in the five—foot way outside the shop.

The crash left the front of the vehicle crumpled.

Its steering—wheel air—bag was also activated.

Police said the car had skidded and that there was damage to the front of the shop.

The vehicle’s two passengers, aged 29 and 33, were brought to Singapore General Hospital.

The driver was unhurt.

A SGH spokesperson said that the 33—year—old has been admitted for a shoulder fracture while the 29—year—old passenger has been discharged.

Staff of the jewellery shop involved told Channel NewsAsia that it was not the first time the shop has been affected by an accident.

A motorbike crashed into a kerb and damaged the front display window of the shop in 2011.

The shop’s display windows were once again smashed as a result of the car accident and have been temporarily covered by a plank of wood.

Lee Lok Seng, who works at the jewellery shop, said that the accident did not affect business but has caused much inconvenience.

"The glass outside the shop is destroyed. Some of the shelves inside the shop are also damaged. I have to replace all of them. It would take about three months to do so," said Mr Lee.

"It could be because the shop is located at a corner. We hope the authorities can put barriers in place to prevent anyone from getting hurt," he added.

It is understood that the building affected is a conservation shophouse.

Authorities have conducted checks to ensure the structure of the building is safe.

— CNA/jc