1 week ago
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SINGAPORE -
Mobile columns - where a country’s military hardware such as tanks are displayed during celebrations such as Singapore’s National Day Parade (NDP) - often attract attention, awe and admiration from members of the public.
However, one tank garnered more attention than its operators bargained for
during
a National Day
Parade (NDP)
preview show on
July 5.
While making a right turn outside of Parliament House and the Supreme Court, the tank - identified by netizens as a leopard tank - ended up bumping into a nearby traffic light.
A video of the accident posted to Facebook page SGRV shows the traffic light standing slightly askew after the incident.
The video, which was posted at about
9.55pm on July 5,
had garnered
472,000 views within 10 hours.
It also amassed
2,400 likes
and
738
comments as of
9am on July 6.
The NDP, which marks Singapore’s 60 years as an independent nation, will take place at the Padang on Aug 9.
Many netizens saw the collision as a minor hiccup and called for others to be more empathetic towards the tank driver.
Facebook user Chen WL commented: “Guys, have a little heart. He’s probably a NSF (full-time national serviceman) earning minimum allowance... Let’s hope the unit or the RSM (regimental sergeant major) won’t tekan the poor kid too much...”
Another user, Mr Low Beng Keat, said that accidents such as these are why rehearsals, previews, and dry runs are performed.
“If there is a mistake, get up and move on, learn and be mindful the next time. No big deal, don’t take it too hard on our soldiers guarding and defending on our homeland,” he wrote.
Several commenters said they believed the accident arose due to a mechanical failure.
One such person was Mr Lucas Por, who said he was a former technician for such tanks.
English (US)