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.
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.
As the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health (WSH), Mr Silas Sng 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.”
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.
Public Hearings For Devastating Tuas Fire To Start From 20 Sep
And now, seven months on, we learn that public hearings for the fatal fire are scheduled to start from 20 September 2021.
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.
The second will be held from 15 to 19 November, and will serve to “review recommendations to prevent the occurrence of such accidents.”
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.
Details
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.
Dates and timings, however, may still be changed.
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.
Read Also:
- 2 Workers Who Passed Away in Tuas Fire Were Breadwinners For Their Families
- 3 Dead, 5 in Critical Condition After Tuas Industrial Building Fire
- Witnesses Describe Horrific Scene of Tuas Industrial Building Fire
Feature Image: Facebook (Singapore Civil Defence Force)
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