MOM may act against those involved in 2022 fatal fire in Tuas

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is considering taking action against those involved in a fatal industrial fire in Tuas on Dec 30, 2022, pending its own legal assessments, according to an MOM specialist on Sept 2.

- Andrew Wong

Indian national Manku Suri Appa Rao, then 38, who was employed by Asia Technical Gas, was pronounced dead at the scene after a build-up of acetylene in the air caused an explosion and fire.

According to investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Mr Manku suffered extensive burns on 95 per cent of his body.

At a coroner's inquiry on Sept 2, SCDF Major Fong Chun Hern told the court that acetylene is highly flammable, and just 2.3 per cent concentration in the air can result in combustion.

Maj Fong said Mr Manku's colleague had noticed the smell of acetylene gas in the air while Mr Manku was checking the cylinders. "(The colleague) even commented that he had to switch on two fans, indicating ventilation in the area could be poor. This could have contributed to the accumulation of acetylene where the victim was," he said.