One person taken to hospital after explosion at Audi service centre in Ubi

SINGAPORE: A person was taken to hospital and about 100 people were evacuated after an explosion at the Audi service centre in Ubi on Tuesday (Mar 7).

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was called to 55 Ubi Road 1 at about 8.55am and noticed that a section of the exterior wall on the side of the building had collapsed.

In an update at 3.56pm, SCDF said preliminary investigation indicates that a fire had occurred in the motor room of the building located on the ground floor.

The fire had burnt itself out before SCDF's arrival, it added. 

"We understand that prior to SCDF's arrival, a few members of the public had used fire extinguishers upon seeing smoke emitting from the motor room." 

In the midst of their efforts, one person fell down and sustained abrasion to both hands, said SCDF, adding that the person was taken to Raffles Hospital and there were no other reported injuries. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Replying to CNA's queries, an Audi spokesperson said that the explosion "resulted in a section of the exterior wall being damaged".

"About 100 people were immediately evacuated from the premises, and the incident was thereafter promptly attended to by SCDF," they said.

The building the service centre is located in - Ubi 55 - is certified by SCDF as being safe for occupation, added Audi.

The company aims to resume normal operation at the service centre by the end of this week.

"In the meantime, customers with cars currently at the workshop, or who have made appointments in the next few days, have been contacted for alternative arrangements. No new appointments will be taken until the workshop is back in operation," said Audi.

"Audi Singapore is continuing to cooperate with all relevant authorities."