Dramatic Blaze at Balestier HDB Block

In a shocking incident early on August 23, two individuals found themselves hospitalized after an altar fire erupted outside a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat near Balestier Road. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded promptly to the alarming situation.

Timely Action by Brave Residents

The fire broke out around 4 AM at Block 112 McNair Road, affecting a shelf outside a tenth-floor unit. Thankfully, quick-thinking residents took immediate action, using buckets of water and a dry powder extinguisher to extinguish the flames before the SCDF arrived.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

Shawn Loh, the Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC, commended the residents for their bravery and cooperation. Many of them went door to door, urging neighbors to evacuate and ensuring everyone's safety. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he shared how the community's strong bonds were evident, with one resident declaring it a 'blessing' to have such attentive neighbors.

Restoring Safety and Comfort

Though the fire was swiftly contained, one person was taken to Singapore General Hospital, while another was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for further evaluation. Efforts were immediately put in place to restore power to affected areas of the block, with completion expected by the evening.

What Caused the Blaze?

As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the community remains resilient, with the Jalan Besar Town Council and Residents Network present on-site to assist those in need. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community spirit in times of crisis.