Spyros disaster
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At about 2.15pm on 12 October 1978, the Greek tanker, Spyros, exploded at Jurong Shipyard in Singapore, killing 76 people and injuring a further 69 others.
The explosion occurred as about 150 workers, including women, returned to the engine and boiler rooms of the vessel after their lunch break for repair and cleaning work. A number of the ship's 32 crew were also on board. The blast flung debris from the 35,600-tonne vessel as far as 100 metres away and started a flash fire that prevented dockside workers from rescuing those trapped inside the ship. The wounded were ferried by ambulance and helicopter to Alexandra Hospital and Singapore General Hospital where many were warded for serious burns. Others were treated for inhalation of toxic gas and shock.
An enquiry later found that safety practices were ignored when repairs were carried out on the vessel. The disaster is the worst in history of Singapore in terms of casualties to date.
