KUALA LUMPUR: A gas explosion early this morning on Singapore's Syed Alwi Road injured six people and partially collapsed two shophouse units.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed the incident on their Facebook page, saying they were alerted at around 1.30am to the locations at 84 and 85 Syed Alwi Road, near Mustafa Centre.
The affected premises include Paakashala Singapore, a vegetarian Indian restaurant, and Nirja Mega Mart, a supermarket.
Preliminary investigations suggest a buildup of flammable gas at 84 Syed Alwi Road, operated as a restaurant, caused the explosion and the partial collapse of both units, SCDF said.
They confirmed that no flammable gas readings have been detected at the site.
Upon arrival, SCDF initiated a search of the rubble for anyone trapped under the debris, deploying two search dogs and a drone to assist in the operation.
Firefighters, they said, rescued a person from the second floor of the affected shophouse at 84 Syed Alwi Road using a ladder, as the staircase was blocked.
Due to reports of a loud blast, a firefighting machine was also deployed to disperse any potential buildup of flammable gases with its water mist spray function.
"No persons were found trapped under the debris," SCDF said earlier.
Two people were assessed by paramedics for minor injuries and transported to Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further treatment.
Four others were evaluated for minor injuries but declined hospitalisation.
Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) confirmed that the adjacent buildings were unaffected and deemed safe.
They instructed the premises owners to implement immediate safety measures to restrict public access to the two units.
The BCA also issued a Dangerous Building Order and Closure Order to the respective owners, requiring them to appoint a professional engineer to recommend precautionary measures, conduct detailed investigations, and suggest permanent rectification solutions.