At least four people, including a firefighter, were injured on Sunday after a taxi caught fire and exploded on Commonwealth Avenue, near Buona Vista MRT station in Singapore. The taxi is believed to belong to operator Trans-Cab.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was informed about the incident along Commonwealth Avenue, near the junction with North Buona Vista Road, at about 2.15 pm. One fire engine, two fire bikes, one Red Rhino and two ambulances were immediately dispatched to the location.
According to reports, the fire was extinguished by SCDF using two water jets and a compressed air foam backpack.
Several videos that were circulated widely on Whatsapp and social media showed firefighters already battling the blaze before the explosion took place. SCDF said that the injured men were to National University Hospital as they sustained minor injuries.
Jerome Teo, who was at Star Vista at the time, told Channel NewsAsia that he heard a "very loud explosion" and that black smoke could be seen from there.
Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said the injured firefighter had first-degree burns to his face and neck. SCDF said the firefighter has been discharged from hospital and is recuperating. In a Facebook post, the police thanked the public for its concern.
The SCDF preliminary investigations have revealed that the explosion was likely caused by a road traffic accident. SCDF added that investigations by SCDF, the police and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are ongoing.
