Singapore’s car retailer Premium Automobiles has been issued a fine of SGD12,000 (approximately US$9,400) following a significant explosion at its Audi service center, which left a gaping hole in a wall and prompted the evacuation of around 100 people.
On September 10, Premium Automobiles admitted guilt for failing to promptly cease the operation of a malfunctioning lift that posed serious safety risks, as reported by The Straits Times.
The incident occurred on March 7, 2023, at the company’s service center located at 55 Ubi Road 1. An investigation into the explosion revealed that a waste oil tank, installed in 2002, was located in the lift’s machine room, a decision that would ultimately prove catastrophic.
Despite hiring a contractor to perform monthly maintenance on the lift, Premium Automobiles did not inform them about the presence of the waste oil tank. This oversight proved to be a costly mistake when arcing from the lift’s control panel ignited flammable vapors that had built up in the confined space, leading to the explosion.
In court, a representative from Premium Automobiles requested leniency, underscoring that this was the first legal issue the company has faced since its establishment in 1999. “We believed we were ill-informed regarding the need for approval for the waste oil tank,” the representative stated, adding, “We accept full responsibility for this incident and are committed to improving our safety protocols moving forward.”
While some might think an explosion at a car service center feels like a plot twist in a blockbuster film, for Premium Automobiles, it’s a sobering reality check that safety cannot be an afterthought.
Questions & Answers
What caused the explosion at Premium Automobiles’ Audi service center?
The explosion was triggered by arcing in the relay switch of the lift’s control panel, which ignited flammable vapors from a waste oil tank that had been improperly installed in the lift’s machine room.
How did Premium Automobiles respond to the incident?
Premium Automobiles accepted full responsibility for the explosion, acknowledging their oversight in not informing their maintenance contractor about the presence of the waste oil tank.
What penalties did the company face after the incident?
The company was fined SGD12,000 (US$9,400) as a result of the explosion, marking the first legal trouble they have encountered since their founding in 1999.
