Accident Triggers Riot in Singapore's Little India
Hundreds of South Asian workers staged a riot in Singapore late Sunday following a road accident, leaving 10 police officers injured and at least six vehicles damaged, police said.
A police statement said the disturbance started in the congested Little India district when one person was killed after being hit by a bus. The victim's identity was not immediately disclosed.
About 400 people on the scene began attacking police vehicles after officers responded to the accident.
Pictures and videos on social media showed at least two vehicles including an ambulance on fire, while two police vehicles were seen being overturned by a cheering mob.
Police said several private vehicles were also damaged in the fracas.
The situation was brought under control after the elite Special Operations Command and Gurkhas working for the police arrived on the scene.
The rare outbreak of public disorder in strictly governed Singapore took place in an area normally packed with thousands of workers, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, on their day off.
Teo Chee Hean, the deputy prime minister and minister of home affairs, said in a statement that "this is a serious incident which has resulted in injuries and damage to public property."
"The situation is now under control. Police will spare no efforts to apprehend the subjects involved in the riot."
Labor-short Singapore depends heavily on imported labor, with workers from South Asia dominating sectors like construction.
Many congregate in Little India on Sundays to shop, dine and drink.
Source: Agence France Presse
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