Singapore files suit against Shell for safety lapses that caused refinery fire

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has filed a suit against Royal Dutch Shell PLC for safety lapses that led to a major fire at the Anglo-Dutch oil company’s 500,000 barrel-a-day refinery in the city-state last year. The case filed under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, could carry a fine of up to S$500,000 (US$401,700) if convicted.
The refinery at Pulau Bukom is Shell’s biggest plant worldwide. On September 28, 2011, a fire broke out at the pumphouse when Shell was conducting maintenance work on a pipeline. The fire, which escalated with multiple explosions, took 32 hours to fully extinguish. The fire did not cause any serious injuries, but the pumphouse was badly damaged and the Bukom refinery had to be temporarily shut down. Shell has expressed its deep concern over the incident. (September 4, 2012)