Gas Explosion Causes Partial Collapse of Shophouses on Syed Alwi Road

The recent incident on Syed Alwi Road has raised significant concerns regarding safety in urban areas. On October 8, 2023, two shophouses located at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road partially collapsed, and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) suspects that a gas explosion may be the cause. This alarming event highlights the potential dangers associated with gas leaks and the importance of regular safety checks in commercial buildings.

According to the BCA, they were alerted to the situation early on Tuesday morning. In their statement, they noted, "BCA was alerted to a suspected gas explosion incident where two two-storey shophouse units at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road had partially collapsed." The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) later confirmed that preliminary investigations suggested a buildup of flammable gas in the first unit, which was a restaurant, likely led to the explosion and subsequent collapse.

Following the incident, BCA took immediate action by deploying engineers to assess the structural integrity of the affected shophouses and the surrounding buildings. They reported, "The rear part of the two shophouse units have partially collapsed," and added that the front facade and staircase of unit 84 were also damaged. Fortunately, the adjacent buildings were found to be safe and unaffected by the explosion.

In response to the incident, BCA has instructed the owners of the shophouses to implement immediate safety measures to restrict public access to the affected areas. They also issued a Dangerous Building Order and Closure Order, mandating the owners to appoint a professional engineer to evaluate the situation further. The BCA emphasized the need for these engineers to recommend precautionary measures to prevent any danger and to conduct thorough investigations.

Member of Parliament Denise Phua visited the site shortly after the incident. She was escorted by SCDF personnel to observe the damage firsthand. In her remarks, she stated, "According to SCDF, the nearby areas seem to be safe but they are going to validate it further and ensure that further checks are done in bright daylight." She acknowledged the immediate danger posed by the affected units while reassuring the public that the surrounding buildings were currently considered safe.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards that can arise from gas-related issues in commercial properties. It underscores the necessity for regular maintenance and safety inspections to prevent such occurrences. As urban areas continue to grow, ensuring the safety of buildings and the well-being of the public must remain a top priority. The community must stay vigilant and proactive in addressing safety concerns to avoid future tragedies.