Narrow Escape: Singaporean Family of 6 Flees Taiwan Eatery Moments Before Building Collapse

Singaporean Family’s Narrow Escape from Earthquake in Taiwan

One moment they were enjoying a delicious breakfast, the next they were sprinting for their lives. Thanks to a quick-thinking Singaporean tourist, 17 diners and staff at a Hualien eatery in Taiwan escaped disaster just seconds before the building partially collapsed during a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning, April 3.

A Family Holiday Turned Chaotic

Among those who narrowly escaped was a Singaporean family of six on a two-week holiday. Chen Suping, a 56-year-old civil servant, shared her experience with Shin Min Daily News. She, along with her younger brother, his wife, and her cousin with her two children, had arrived in Taiwan on March 23. They were enjoying scallion pancakes and soy milk at the eatery around 7:50 am when the ground suddenly began to shake.

At first, they didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. “We thought it might not be serious since no one else was moving,” Chen recalled. But then her cousin shouted, “It’s an earthquake! Run!” Just five seconds after they dashed outside, a loud crash echoed behind them as the eatery caved in.

Video Captures the Moment

A nearby dashcam recorded the frantic escape. An employee, clutching two plates of food, was the last to leave, followed closely by 16 others racing across the street. Moments later, the building tilted and crumbled. Reflecting on their close call, Chen admitted, “I still feel scared when I think back to that day. If it wasn’t for my cousin, we might have been trapped under the rubble.”

Concerns for Other Singaporeans

While this family was fortunate, reports indicate that two other Singaporeans are missing following the earthquake. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore is in close contact with local authorities and is providing assistance to the families involved. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries among other Singaporeans in Taiwan. In fact, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that eight Singaporeans were rescued after being trapped, with two suffering light injuries.

Staying Prepared: Tips for Emergencies

This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all Singaporeans to stay alert and be prepared for emergencies. Here are some practical tips to help you stay safe, whether at home or abroad:

• Save Emergency Contacts: Keep important numbers like the police, ambulance, and fire department saved in your phone for quick access.
• Know Your Exits: Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency exits in public spaces like malls and cinemas.
• Take First Aid Training: Consider enrolling in first aid courses to learn essential skills like CPR and wound care.
• Stay Informed: Keep updated on local news and emergency alerts to be aware of potential risks.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit with first aid supplies, a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and important documents.

By following these tips, you can be better equipped to respond quickly in emergencies, ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones.

Conclusion

This earthquake in Taiwan highlights the importance of being vigilant and prepared. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a hawker centre or travelling abroad, staying alert can make all the difference in ensuring your safety. For more information on safety tips, visit the Singapore Civil Defence Force website.