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) National Education show on July 5.
While making a right turn outside of Parliament House and the Supreme Court, the leopard tank ended up bumping into a nearby traffic light.
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.
Tank experienced technical issue: Mindef
In response to queries, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on July 6 that a Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) experienced a technical issue at 7.22pm on July 5.
“This resulted in an incident along North Bridge Road, where the tank came into contact with a traffic light,” the ministry said, adding that the accident came after the mobile column segment of the parade.
No injuries were reported during the incident and the tank remained within the cordoned area, away from the public.
Mindef said the L2SG was travelling within the speed limit of 20kmh when the incident took place.
“The tank crew responded in accordance with standard operating procedures and the L2SG was safely recovered with no damage to the vehicle,” it added.
The affected traffic light stand sustained minor damage, but has since been repaired by Mindef, the NDP 2025 committee, and Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Investigations are ongoing.
‘Tank-ful no one is hurt’
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.
Christie Chiu for The Straits Times
NDP National Education show: Tank collides into traffic light
