A telco manhole in Bukit Batok exploded out of the blue on Tuesday morning (24 Aug).
Footage of the incident, which took place outside a multi-storey carpark at Block 439 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, along with images of the aftermath have been circulating on social media.
Following the unexpected explosion — which straight-up look like an improvised explosive device (IED) blast from The Hurt Locker, though on a miniscule scale — the manhole cover can be seen completely detached from the road, with a plethora of bricks surrounding the area.
A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) hazmat vehicle was spotted at the scene, along with police presence, as reported by CNA.
The explosion site had also been cordoned off.
SCDF stated that it received a call for a “flash fire” from a manhole at about 9.10am, adding that there was no fire or reported injury upon arrival at the scene.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident is accidental in nature and investigations are ongoing,” it noted.
CNA also reported that Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Amy Khor, was present at the scene of the incident.
“The town council has activated everybody – SP, PUB, City Gas – just to check … all the manholes in the area,” said the Hong Kah North SMC MP, who was alerted to the incident by residents and the town council.
“We need to make sure the residents don’t get worried. The cause is still under investigation,” Ms Khor added.
