A Dangerous Incident Uncovered

In a shocking turn of events, Premium Automobiles has been hit with a hefty fine of S$12,000 (approximately US$9,350) following a dramatic explosion at their Audi service centre in Ubi on March 7, 2023.

What Sparked the Explosion?

The harrowing blast resulted from electric sparks generated while using a hydraulic lift, igniting flammable vapours from a waste oil tank in the lift's machine room. A hundred individuals were evacuated in the aftermath, with one person treated in the hospital, although thankfully there were no severe injuries.

Serious Safety Violations

Following their guilty plea under safety regulations for improper lift usage, the company faced scrutiny for their dangerous operational practices. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) revealed that Premium Automobiles had been the occupant of the premises since 2002, and they had neglected to inform their service contractor, East Elevators, about the hazardous waste oil tank installed in the lift's machine room.

The Aftermath of the Blast

Upon inspection after the explosion, BCA engineers found considerable damage, including the collapse of a non-structural wall. The investigation unveiled that the waste oil tank, which collected oil from vehicles over the years, was the culprit behind the fiery incident.

Accountability and Mitigation

During the legal proceedings, a company representative appeared in court but declined to comment. The prosecution highlighted the significant property damage caused and emphasized that it was purely by chance that no serious injuries occurred. The judge noted the company's high culpability, as it failed to consult the relevant authorities regarding proper safety measures.

Future Implications and Legal Consequences

The judge made it clear that operating a lift in a reckless manner could lead to severe legal repercussions for individual owners, including prison time or fines reaching S$20,000. In this case, only the fine was applied since Premium Automobiles is a corporate entity.

Safety Must Come First

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in the automotive industry. As Premium Automobiles takes steps to improve their practices, the community watches closely, hoping for a safer future in all operational aspects.