Windows shook violently

Windows shook violently

Fire at Tuas incineration plant causes multiple explosions and leaves three injured

The first explosion surprised him. The second, which came soon after, made him run out of his office building.

"The initial explosion was small and happened around 5.10pm. The second caused the windows to vibrate violently," said Mr Mayachandran Selvaraja, 35.

The technician at ST Kinetics and his five colleagues hurriedly left their building at Tuas Ave 7.

Once outside the building they saw black smoke covering the sky.

"We didn't know what happened and what caused the fire but we thought it could be from a chemical factory nearby. We were all asking, what if the fire spreads to other buildings?" said Mr Mayachandran.

"One of us thought that it might have been a bomb attack."

The cause of the explosions was a fire at an incineration plant at No 7, Tuas Avenue 10. Three people were injured in the incident that happened yesterday evening. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the fire involved flammable chemicals.

They added that the fire was approximately the size of two football fields.

Ms Ong Guat Eng, 40, owner of a waffles store in Sin Hwa Eating House saw the fire and immediately called 995.

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She said: "The fire was so big that I could feel the heat from where I was and there was a strong burning smell. I heard four explosions in 10 to 15 minute intervals.

"I was afraid of the fire spreading and of bigger explosions but I was more worried about whether there were any casualties."

A spokesman for the SCDF said they were alerted at 5.17pm. It sent six fire engines, two Red Rhinos, five supporting vehicles and four ambulances to the scene.

At the height of the operation, firefighters encircled the incineration plant with up to 12 jets, including two aerial platform monitors. The fire was brought under control within 90 minutes.

Sixty SCDF personnel were involved in this operation.

As a result of the fire, Tuas Ave 7, Ave 8, Ave 9, Ave 10 and Tuas Lane, were closed.

Two men suffering from first-degree burns, were taken to Singapore General Hospital by the SCDF.

Another man who sustained burn injuries was treated at National University Hospital prior to SCDF arrival.


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