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BCA: Suspected gas explosion causes partial collapse of shophouses on Syed Alwi Road

A suspected gas explosion caused the partial collapse of two shophouse units at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road on Tuesday (8 Oct). The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed that engineers were sent to assess the structures. Dangerous Building Orders were issued, requiring the owners to close the buildings and implement immediate safety measures.

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SINGAPORE: A suspected gas explosion led to the partial collapse of two shophouse units at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road early on Tuesday morning (8 October), according to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

In a Facebook post, BCA confirmed that engineers were deployed to the scene to assess the structural integrity of the affected shophouses and adjacent buildings.

The rear portions of both units collapsed, while the front façade and staircase of unit 84 sustained significant damage.

Fortunately, surrounding buildings were not impacted by the explosion and remain structurally sound.

To ensure public safety, BCA has instructed the owners to implement immediate safety measures, cordoning off the affected units.

Additionally, Dangerous Building Orders and Closure Orders were served to the owners of both shophouses, requiring them to shut the buildings immediately.

The owners have also been directed to appoint a Professional Engineer (PE) to recommend precautionary measures, conduct detailed investigations, and propose permanent rectification works.

Earlier, The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post reported that they were alerted to the incident at approximately 1.30am.

The affected buildings, located at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road, were identified as housing Paakashala Singapore, a vegetarian Indian restaurant, and Nirja Mega Mart.

Upon arrival, SCDF launched a search and rescue operation, deploying search dogs and a drone to ensure no individuals were trapped beneath the rubble.

These efforts supplemented manual searches, with firefighters rescuing one person trapped on the second floor of unit 84.

The individual was unable to evacuate due to a blocked staircase and was safely rescued using a ladder.

SCDF confirmed that no one was trapped under the debris and there were no additional reported injuries at the time of their 7:00 am Facebook update.

Two individuals were transported to Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tok Seng Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Four others, though also sustaining minor injuries, declined to be hospitalised.

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