The Hilton Singapore will replace the hotel's external false ceiling entirely after a section over the driveway collapsed in heavy rain.

A Volvo and Prime Royal taxi were caught underneath in the incident on Dec 13 and four people were taken to hospital.

The hotel in Orchard Road will be progressively replacing the plasterboard ceiling, which is currently supported by an aluminium frame, with one made of perforated metal, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said in a statement yesterday.

The false ceiling had collapsed as a result of "deterioration of the connections that supported the ceiling system", said an investigation report by a professional engineer appointed by the hotel.

The BCA noted that this had led to an uneven distribution of load on the system, causing it to collapse.

Repair works to the section that collapsed at the main entrance have been completed and the engineer has certified the area to be safe for public access.

The engineer has also inspected the walkway beside the main entrance and given it the all-clear for continued use.

Hilton Singapore told The Straits Times it also has plans to upgrade the area and walkway.

Calvin Yang