Unexpected Fire Extinguisher Explosion at The Gateway
Picture this: a stone‑throwing fire extinguisher bursts on the 23rd floor of a sleek skyscraper on Beach Road, sending a slow‑motion projectile hurtling toward the glassy front of a neighboring building. The chaos, which erupted on Tuesday morning (August 10), left a fresh hole in the Gateway West façade and left people wondering where this rubber‑ball‑like thing came from.
How it Happened
- Time: Roughly 10:30 am.
- Location: A vacant unit in Gateway West where a contractor was doing reinstatement work.
- What went wrong: The fire extinguisher was past its expiry date and detonated, launching a glass‑piercing projectile upward and sideways.
- Result: The projectile bounced off the courtyard and smashed into the first‑floor glass panels of Gateway East, which sits just 50 m away.
Reactions
The spokesperson for Singapore Land Group, the entity managing both Gateway buildings, stated that “no one was hurt”. That’s the good news amidst the broken glass and frantic guests.
Security teams rushed in, taking a quick inventory of the situation. The extinguisher in question belonged to a tenant, and authorities are still digging into why it exploded. “Investigations are ongoing,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Why the Gateway Is a Getting‑Up‑In‑Stitches Icon
Designed by I.M. Pei—yes, the same mastermind behind the Louvre Pyramid—the Gateway is a striking 37‑storey complex, finished in 1990. Its distinctive trapezoidal shape can trick your eyes by appearing two‑dimensional from particular angles. The peak of this architectural marvel had to face the brutal hit of a tin‑cans‑in‑flight on a sunny Tuesday afternoon.
Aftermath & Safety Measures
- The courtyard between Gateway West and East was cordoned off to prevent further mishaps.
- Wooden boards were temporarily installed along the glass lobby of Gateway East to cushion any more surprises.
- Maintenance crews are on the scene, sealing the hole and ensuring the safety of tenants and the public.
From one towering shape to the next, the Gateways have been standing tall. The recent event serves as a reminder that even grand structures aren’t immune to a bit of drama—and that a little extra vigilance can keep everyone safe.
<img alt="" data-caption="Wooden boards were put up in the glass facade of the Gateway East ground floor lobby.
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Keep Your Extinguisher in Shape—Because Fire Safety Isn’t a Chill Game
Ever thought your portable fire extinguisher was just a fancy piece of metal that would magically work when you need it? Think again. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), it has to be fully operational, charged and battle‑ready at all times—no surprises.
The Owner’s Call to Action
- Check the extinguisher every month. Yes, monthly! Don’t wait for that dusty “fire” on the shelf to start drama.
- Maintain it only if you’re a certified professional or you’ve hired one. (We’re not saying you’re a wizard, but you can’t just whack it with a hammer remotely.)
- If you’re curious about who’s qualified, look up the full list of SCDF‑approved servicing companies on the SCDF website.
The Bossy Voice of the SCDF
“The owner or occupant of the premises is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the fire extinguishers installed in the premises,” the SCDF sternly reminds us. Think of it like a boss reminding you that the safety equipment is your responsibility.
“The maintenance and servicing of portable extinguishers can only be carried out by qualified and trained persons in proper workshops of a certified servicing company,” adds the same voice. Because nobody wants the look of a half‑charged extinguisher squinting at a smoky drama.
Why This Matters
When a fire breaks out, an extinguisher that hasn’t been checked might cough a puff of nothing (or worse, explode like a bad joke). That’s why keeping your fire extinguisher “in tip‑top shape” isn’t a luxury—it’s a no‑nonsense safety rule. And if you’re unsure about the process, just trust the SCDF’s official list of certified companies.
So next time you walk past that shiny bottle of “not a promise until required,” remember—your fire safety budget will thank you, and you’ll keep your place safe from the kind of drama only a true “fire safety story” can bring.
