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SINGAPORE: The excavator operator who died after 17 storeys of debris fell on him on Friday had worked in the demolition business for more than 30 years.
Mr Chew Chee Mee, 53, was on the ground floor of the former Asia Chambers of Commerce building along McCallum Street when the incident happened.
The building was undergoing demolition.
Mr Chew was the eldest son in a family of 10 children.
His family refused to show any of his pictures, but described him as a tall and athletic man.
Mr Chew had been staying in a 4-room flat for over 10 years.
An understanding brother and a loving uncle to his nieces and nephews, his death came as a sudden shock to his family.
Even though they knew his job as an excavator operator came with its fair share of risks, they never expected his life to end this way.
Mr Chew's death was especially hard for his younger brother who identified the body at the scene.
Family and friends said Mr Chew had more than 30 years of experience in demolishing buildings and described him as a hardworking and responsible worker.
He was the only man in the building when 17 floors of concrete collapsed suddenly.
Mr Chew's brother-in-law, Mr Peh Eng Hup, said: "I heard that debris had piled up on the 17th floor. Maybe it was too heavy for the slab, so it gave way, and he happened to be below. But who's responsible, no one knows."
Police and the Manpower Ministry are investigating the incident.
The Building and Construction Authority has also revoked the site's permit to carry out demolition work.
- CNA/so
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