SINGAPORE, May 24 — All 950 compressed natural gas (CNG) taxis in Singapore must undergo and pass a mandatory inspection by tomorrow to stay on the roads, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced.

This comes after two CNG taxis erupted in flames over the last month, with one even exploding. Preliminary investigations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) found that both fires were caused by leaking CNG cylinders, which were then ignited by the lighting of cigarettes.

The LTA said it was "concerned” by the two incidents. The first took place on April 30 when a Trans-Cab taxi caught fire and exploded near Buona Vista MRT station.

Four men, including an SCDF officer, suffered minor burns and were taken to the National University Hospital.

The second incident occurred on Monday, when another Trans-Cab taxi caught fire along Marymount Road near the junction of Sin Ming Avenue.

The cabby was sent to the Singapore General Hospital with burn injuries.

Both cases involved the same car model — a Toyota Wish. Trans-Cab operates 920 CNG taxis in Singapore, with the remainder owned by SMRT.

The taxi-safety inspection is expected to take around 10 minutes.

Drivers can send their taxis to any of the nine authorised vehicle inspection centres (AIC) to certify their road worthiness.

"We would like to remind all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are regularly maintained and meet the necessary road-worthiness tests,” said the LTA.’

"CNG vehicle owners are also reminded to not smoke in their vehicles and if they detect any sulphur-type odour (similar to the smell of rotten eggs), please proceed to an AIC immediately for an inspection.”

The LTA said it is working closely with the taxi companies and the National Taxi Association to ensure that all CNG taxi drivers are informed of the latest requirement. — TODAY