By SINGAPORE — In the early hours on Wednesday (5 Jul), a colossal fire broke out at a chemical storage facility located at 11 Tuas Link 1, triggering a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
The incident, which was reported at approximately 2:05 a.m., resulted in a blaze engulfing the premises, equivalent in size to a football field.
Authorities immediately dispatched a contingent of 30 emergency vehicles and approximately 100 personnel to tackle the raging inferno.
SCDF firefighters swiftly initiated firefighting operations, as confirmed in a Facebook post shared by the SCDF at approximately 3:30 a.m., emphasizing that this would be an “extensive operation”.
A subsequent update provided by the SCDF revealed that the premises already consumed by flames upon the arrival of the first responders.
“At the height of the firefighting operation, SCDF firefighters deployed 5 water and foam jets and 2 Unmanned Firefighting Machines. ”
A video shared on the SCDF’s Facebook page showcases the firefighting team battling a terrifying blaze that billows into the sky. In light of the ongoing firefighting operation, the SCDF has advised the public to steer clear of the area.
After hours of relentless effort, the firefighting team managed to bring the fire under control by approximately 6:15 a.m., successfully extinguishing the flames.
However, firefighters are presently engaged in the crucial damping down operation, which involves applying water to dampen the burnt surfaces to prevent any potential rekindling of the fire.
One firefighter conveyed to hospital
While the majority of the firefighting team escaped unharmed, one firefighter experienced giddiness during the operation and was immediately conveyed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
Fortunately, the firefighter was conscious and in stable condition upon arrival at the hospital.
“The firefighter has since been discharged and will be given time to rest. SCDF will continue to check on his well-being,” said SCDF in the latest statement.
Train services between Tuas Link and Tuas West Road were disrupted for nearly two hours
The extensive blaze also had severe implications for the local transportation network.
Train services between Tuas Link and Tuas West Road were temporarily disrupted for nearly two hours, as reported on social media by SMRT.
However, services resumed at 7:21 a.m., providing some relief to commuters who were inconvenienced by the incident.