THE snap, crackle and pop of exploding fireworks was not what I had in mind when I sat down to dinner on Monday night.
In fact, it might seem a preposterous idea with the long-standing ban on fireworks in effect since 1972.
But with the festive mood of Chinese New Year still in the air, pranksters probably thought it would be a blast to set some off right in the heart of Toa Payoh.
More specifically, just outside a coffeeshop near where I work.
It was a particularly busy night with groups of men basking in Chinese New Year revelry with bottles of imported beer lined up in front of them.
The din of their chatter was suddenly silenced by what sounded like a car backfiring, followed by a series of loud hisses and bangs.
I turned my head only to see the coffeeshop illuminated by resplendent bursts of purple, yellow and red just metres away.
Tables and chairs dragged across the floor, some even toppled over, as patrons ran for cover in the haze of white smoke and gunpowder.
One stray incendiary even zig-zagged its way into the coffeeshop, hitting a pillar before bursting into bright sparks.
I reached for my cellphone hoping to capture a photograph of the spectacle.
But it was too late.
The light show lasted only a few seconds and all that remained was a tuft of smoke.
While patrons checked each other to make sure everyone was all right, I called the police and ran out to see if the culprit(s) was still around.
Patrons I spoke to said they had not seen anyone leave the scene. Some even suggested that the firecrackers had been thrown from the block above. Nobody was certain.
Thankfully, no one was injured although one man I spoke to said his hair was slightly singed and his earlobe reddened after a flare spat burning bits at his head as it shot past.
I was reminded of why the Government banned fireworks – after an explosion that killed two people – resulting in the commencement of the Dangerous Fireworks Act.
The bottom line is, safety is paramount, despite those who still say that the ban has dampened the celebratory spirit of festive periods here.
Afterall, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without fear of one losing a limb, or worse a life.
If an example is needed then think back to just over one month ago.
Fireworks at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub have been pointed to as the cause of the New Year’s Day fire which killed dozens, including three Singaporeans.
While Thailand is more liberal with the use of fireworks, we should rest easy that the chance of a fire started a similar way here is next to zero.
As long as the handful of bad eggs such as Monday’s culprits understand the potential consequences of their actions.