Machine That was on Fire in Tuas Caused Explosion that Killed 3 Workers

Everything started on 24 February 2021. At around 11:25am, a fire broke out at 32E Tuas Avenue 11.

It was described as a “loud explosion” by witnesses.

After the accident, ten people were taken to hospital with burns. Three eventually succumbed to their injuries. They were all breadwinners in their own right: Mr Anisuzzaman MD, 29, Mr Subbaiyan Marimuthu, 38, and Mr Shohel MD, 23.

They ended up passing away from severe burns: up to 90 per cent of their bodies.

Subsequently, initial investigations revealed that the explosion was due to a combustible dust explosion. The dust, in potato starch powder form, came from one of the materials that the company used for its product.

An inquiry committee was subsequently appointed to investigate the accident. In March, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad stated that findings could be revealed in around three to six months.

And now, seven months on, the first public hearing for the fatal fire has finally begun.

Machine That was on Fire in Tuas Caused Explosion that Killed 3 Workers

The first tranche, which will be conducted in open court from 20 September to 8 October, will involve the “causes and circumstances” of the accident.

And they have certainly gone through the specifics.

Lest you’re unaware, the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH), Mr Silas Sng, had previously said to Todayonline, “The dust can be generated during the transfer of these powders… And, over time, the dust can accumulate in the environment, especially if the ventilation of the housekeeping is inadequate.”

“And when the dust comes into contact with a source of ignition, an explosion will occur, as we saw in this accident.”

But it’s only now that we have a clarification in place.

During the hearing, attention was drawn to a mixer machine that was reportedly used by Stars Engrg, an “interested party” in the inquiry hearing.

The machine was bought from the online platform Alibaba in August 2019 and was installed at the affiliated workshop in June 2020, when it was tested.

It was also revealed that the machine’s electrical connections were installed by a worker, Mr Imam, who was not formally trained in electrical works. He was only formally trained on electrical work after leaving the company.

In addition, he did not refer to any instruction manual but depended on the instructions of the only director of Stars Engrg, Mr Chua Xing Da.

Full production, however, only started in October 2020.

Apart from potato starch, the machine also utilised several other ingredients to create fire clay.

This fire clay was then used to make fire wrap, which was produced by Stars Engrg.

Apparently, the machine worked via the usage of nine heaters, which served to heat oil in a compartment that enwrapped the mixer.

However, investigations have uncovered that the amount of oil used may not have been sufficient to cover the heater.

Spark & Smoke

When it was used on 8 August 2020, a heater reportedly discharged a spark and smoke.

Some of the oil was determined to have depleted, and a heating rod was found to have deformed from burning.

The rod was subsequently replaced, and the front and back pipes of the oil compartment closed.

Mr Chua would go on to purchase more oil, which was subsequently added to the machine.

On 28 August, smoke emitted from the machine again.

The gaskets on the heater openings were found to have deteriorated. They were subsequently replaced.

On 21 September, smoke was seen again.

On 28 September, a leak could be seen at the front bottom corner of the machine. Mr Chua was informed, but the problem was not solved immediately.

On 12 October, workers reminded Mr Chua about the leak, which was larger than before.

It was finally welded close.

On 8 January 2021, more smoke was reported. Mr Chua proceeded to buy more oil on 5 February.

On 12 February, a fire erupted from a corner of the machine. It was swiftly extinguished by workers.

By 16 February, the four bottom corners have been welded. An extra base plate was also added.

24 February 2021

On the morning of 24 February 2021, a minor fire broke out again at the machine.

It was swiftly put out. The issue was then conveyed to Mr Chua.

From 10am to 10:15am, Mr Chua spoke to Mr Subbaiyan, one of the deceased workers, four times.

At around 11:15am, Mr Subbaiyan conveyed a photo of the spoilt heater to an engineer, Mr Lwin Moe Tun.

At 11:22am, a huge explosion materialised. Flash fires swiftly followed.

It should be noted that the blast had not only damaged the mixer but also shattered the building’s window panels, collapsed the back wall of the workshop and tore a gaping hole in the adjoining wall of the unit.

In the end, investigators concluded that the explosion was of a chemical nature. Oil aerosols were likely to have been ignited in the process.

It should also be noted that Mr Lwin Moe Tun, who had received a photo of the damaged heater, had gone on to delete the image from not only his phone but Mr Subbaiyan’s phone as well.

Hearings

The first tranche is scheduled to occur from 10am to 5pm on the following dates: 20 to 24 September, 27 September to 1 October, and 4 to 8 October.

During the first tranche, facts, as well as expert witnesses, will be presented.

As it’s an open hearing, members of the public, as well as the media, will be allowed to attend.

Due to current circumstances, however, capacity will be kept in line with safe management measures.

For the record, the inquiry committee is chaired by Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun.

He will be assisted by the general manager of Plant, Petrochemical Corp of Singapore, Mr Lucas Ng Hong Kiang as well as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research’s chief innovation officer, Dr Peter Nagler.

Meanwhile, a team of State Counsel, which is led by Ms Kristy Tan, will present evidence at the hearings.

As for the second hearing, it will be held from 15 to 19 November, and will serve to “review recommendations to prevent the occurrence of such accidents.”

More updates are expected to follow.

Read Also:

• Public Hearings For Devastating Tuas Fire To Start From 20 Sep
• 2 Workers Who Passed Away in Tuas Fire Were Breadwinners For Their Families
• 3 Dead, 5 in Critical Condition After Tuas Industrial Building Fire

Feature Image: Facebook (Singapore Civil Defence Force)