Legal Action Looms Over Fatal Tuas Industrial Fire

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is considering legal action following a fatal industrial fire that killed Manku Suri Appa Rao, an Indian national, in Tuas. The fire, caused by acetylene accumulation, resulted in Manku suffering extensive burns. Investigations indicate a lack of proper ventilation and gas detection measures.

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower is mulling over legal action against those involved in a fatal industrial fire that took the life of Indian national Manku Suri Appa Rao in 2022.

The 38-year-old employee of Asia Technical Gas died after an acetylene accumulation triggered an explosion and fire in Tuas on December 30, according to a report from The Straits Times.

Investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) revealed that Manku sustained extensive burns covering 95 percent of his body. Major Fong Chun Hern of SCDF stated that a 2.3 percent concentration of acetylene in the air can lead to combustion, highlighting the gas's high flammability.

Manku's colleague had reported detecting the smell of acetylene gas in the air, and mentioned switching on two fans, indicating poor ventilation at the site. The Ministry of Manpower's occupational safety specialist Leslie Lee said there was no exhaust system beyond the fans, nor were there gas detectors in place.

State Coroner Adam Nakhoda announced that his final report would be issued after September 20. Manku's death marked the 46th workplace fatality in Singapore for 2022, the highest since 2016.

(With inputs from agencies.)