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 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.

“(The) driver even has trouble pivoting while stationery (sic), which should be an easy feat,” he said.

User Hizdiebidi Bidi agreed, noting it was “Impossible (that the) driver suddenly forgot how to turn”.

Another user, Wo King Tre, said it looked to be a “steering linage failure”.

“It can happen sometimes. Nothing much the tank operator can do about it. Just have to limp the tank to safe spot for the technicians to perform recovery,” he said.

Many netizens praised the tank operator for reacting swiftly, noting that the accident could have had catastrophic consequences if the tank was not stopped in time.

As user Janice Lau put it: “Tank-ful no one is hurt”.

The Straits Times has contacted the Ministry of Defence and Land Transport Authority for more information.

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