Small explosions heard in Bukit Merah market fire caused by PAB battery: 'Aunty, don't burn yourself'

A fire at the 112 Bukit Merah Market & Food Centre on the afternoon of March 19 was likely caused by a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) battery, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Stomper Viktor shared a video showing bystanders under a shelter watching the flames as rain fell outside.

A grey-haired woman was moving closer to the fire to get a better look but was warned off by the other bystanders. One shouted: "Aunty, aunty, don't burn yourself."

Several small explosions can be heard

In a Facebook post, the SCDF said it was alerted to the fire at about 5.35pm.

The fire involved a PAB parked near a market stall on the ground floor and was extinguished by firefighters from Central Fire Station with a water jet. Three stalls sustained fire and smoke damage.

There were no reported injuries.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire had likely originated from the battery pack of the PAB.

To prevent PAB fires, do not leave batteries or devices charging for a prolonged period or charging them unattended overnight.

Also, do not purchase or use non-original batteries.