In a bizarre incident at an Ang Mo Kio industrial building, a routine security drill led to a massive response from police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel.
What initially appeared as a bomb threat turned out to be a misunderstanding triggered by a security company’s drill, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
The Unfolding “Bomb” Scare
The ordeal commenced when swarms of police and SCDF personnel were urgently summoned to the industrial building. The discovery of a suspected bomb outside the security post triggered a full-scale security response, raising concerns and instigating a thorough investigation.
To the relief of everyone involved, subsequent investigations revealed that the apparent bomb was, in fact, a mere dummy. The anxiety stemming from the perceived threat was dispelled when authorities traced the origin of the “bomb” to a security company conducting a drill.
Cordoned off
Shin Min Daily News reporters swiftly headed to the scene upon receiving news of a potential bomb threat. The gravity of the situation was evident as a large area within the industrial building was cordoned off. Vehicles were barred from entering, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the reported threat.
The reporters witnessed hours of uncertainty as police investigated the unidentified object, leaving the building in a state of lockdown. The atmosphere was tense as occupants and onlookers anxiously awaited updates on the unfolding situation.
As the investigation progressed, the narrative shifted from a bomb threat to a misunderstanding. The initial panic and fear gave way to relief, but questions lingered about how such a misunderstanding could occur during a routine security drill.
The Security Drill: What Went Wrong?
According to the building manager, the entire incident stemmed from a security company’s drill conducted at an unconventional hour, around 4 am. As part of the exercise, an individual playing the role of a “suspicious person” placed a paper bag resembling a bomb on a motorcycle parked near the security post.
The “suspicious” character, knocked on the security post’s window to inform those inside about the simulated bomb.
However, a crucial miscommunication occurred when the actor claimed to have seen no one inside the post. This misstep led to a security officer reporting the incident as a genuine threat upon arriving for duty later in the morning.
Contemplating Legal Action
The aftermath of the security drill left the building manager dissatisfied, prompting considerations of legal action against the security company responsible for the chaos.
The manager expressed concerns about the unnecessary hassle caused by the drill, which was intended to enhance security preparedness but instead resulted in a significant disruption.