SINGAPORE: The partial collapse of two shophouses along Syed Alwi Road on Tuesday (Oct 8) is “suspected” to be caused by a gas explosion, said the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
“BCA was alerted to a suspected gas explosion incident where two 2-storey shophouse units at 84 & 85 Syed Alwi Road had partially collapsed,” it said in a Facebook post.
BCA deployed engineers to assess the structural integrity of the shophouse units and the adjacent buildings after the incident.
“The rear part of the two shophouse units have partially collapsed,” it said.
“The front facade and staircase of unit 84 were also damaged by the suspected explosion. The other adjacent buildings were not affected by the suspected explosion and are safe.”
BCA said its engineers have instructed the owners to put in place immediate safety measures to cordon off the two units from public access.
It also served a Dangerous Building Order and Closure Order to the respective owners of the two shophouse units to close off the buildings.
“They are also required to immediately appoint a professional engineer to advise on the immediate precautionary measures to obviate the danger, carry out detailed investigations and recommend permanent rectification measures to be carried out,” said BCA.
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