Insecticide smoke sparks fire scare at Sultan Plaza; about 30 self-evacuate

There was brief panic at Sultan Plaza on Friday (Aug 28) night after jellified insecticide used during fumigation at a Chinese restaurant created smoke that was mistaken for a fire.

At least 30 people self-evacuated, and emergency services were called at about 10.45pm, after smoke was seen coming from the first-floor eatery.

When AsiaOne reached the scene at about 10.55pm, the area outside the eatery was still slightly smoky and a pungent, choking smell hung in the air. 

Mallgoers were seen exiting the plaza's premises, with some coughing as they walked out.

At least four Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) appliances were present at the scene as firefighters in full breathing apparatus checked the eatery.

A 39-year-old man, who works at the bar next to the eatery, told AsiaOne that he noticed smoke coming from the eatery when he was on his way to the washroom.

The man, who goes by the name Cha, said he immediately entered the eatery and switched off its electrical supply via the circuit breaker as a precaution.

He added that he saw several cans of jellified insecticide placed around the restaurant.

"They (the jellified insecticide cans) produced the smoke," Cha stated.

AsiaOne counted at least seven such cans placed around the restaurant. 

Checks by AsiaOne online found listings of the product indicating that a large amount of smoke and a strong smell are produced when the jellified insecticide is lit.

The advisory also stated that people should leave the area once the product is lit, adding that it has a low level of toxicity.

Police officers were seen trying to contact the restaurant's owner, who is believed to have placed the cans of jellified insecticide.

In a response to AsiaOne's queries, SCDF said that its paramedics assessed two persons at the scene, but both declined to be taken to the hospital.

SCDF did not confirm the cause of the incident at the time of this article's publication. 

Additional reporting by Naufal Danish

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shafiq.apandi@asiaone.com 
editor@asiaone.com