Workplace accidents in Singapore are on the rise
One man has died, and two others have been seriously injured, in an explosion at the Tuas Incineration Plant on Thursday, according to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The man, who was 65-years-old, was pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic, while the other two, aged 59 and 64, were brought to Singapore General Hospital to be treated for their burn injuries. According to the SCDF, the patients are both in stable condition, but have suffered serious burn injuries and smoke inhalation due to the incident.
The fire reportedly broke out from a "localised explosion" in the electrical switch room, according to plant owner National Environment Agency (NEA) in a statement reported by Channel News Asia. The SCDF said they saw the electrical switch room on the first floor filled with smoke when they arrived on the scene.
"The fire involved a chimney fan switch in the electrical switchroom. SCDF extinguished a few pockets of fire with two dry powder fire extinguishers," said the SCDF.
About 80 people self-evacuated from the premises, while the NEA later clarified that all plant workers were safe.
"All other TIP (Tuas incineration plant) workers are safe. Operations at the plant have been safely wound down," the agency added as quoted by Channel News Asia.
Investigations to the fire's cause is ongoing, with the SCDF and Ministry of Manpower involved the case. Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) has expressed its condolences to the bereaved family of the sole casualty, adding that the union is working with NEA to aid the victims.
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"Our hearts are also with the officers who are hospitalised and we wish them a speedy recovery. AUPE is working closely with NEA to provide assistance to the officers and their families," they said on Facebook. "Union members from the incineration plant can also reach out to us if they need someone to speak to."
The latest casualty in the plant adds to the growing number of work-related deaths this year, according to The Straits Times. There have been 23 incidents in the first half of the year, higher than the 16 recorded in the same period in 2020.
