SINGAPORE - A tragic fire broke out on January 9 at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Hougang, claiming the lives of two residents and prompting the evacuation of approximately 30 individuals from the first seven floors of the building.

Emergency responders from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted to the blaze around 12:40 PM and quickly arrived on the scene. The fire was initially identified in a unit on the third floor of Block 971, Hougang Street 91. Firefighters faced significant challenges entering the apartment due to an overwhelming amount of belongings stagnant within.

Rescue Operation

During the rescue operation, the unfortunate victims were discovered inside a bedroom, as confirmed by SCDF in a Facebook update. The tragic incident underscores not only the severity of the fire but also the potential dangers of hoarding, which can hinder emergency responses.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of chaos and confusion. A resident from a nearby block reported hearing multiple loud bangs and seeing a thick plume of smoke rising from her windows. Another eyewitness, Clarence Lee, a local hawker, noted he detected a burning smell around 1 PM, which quickly obscured his view outside.

Community Response

One resident, who prefers to be known as Madam Said, recounted gathering her elderly mother and fleeing their home upon realizing the danger. “We’ve been out for about five hours, but the police have not allowed us to return to our homes yet,” she expressed, highlighting the distress and uncertainty faced by her and her neighbors.

Local Member of Parliament Ng Ling Ling addressed the public via social media, stating that authorities were actively working to determine the identities of the deceased and offering assistance to those affected. Community support was made available at a nearby residents’ network center where volunteers were on hand to provide help.

Post-Incident Actions

In response to the aftermath, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council has initiated efforts to clear the debris and soot left from the fire, focusing on restoring a sense of normalcy for the community. They also addressed the need to collaborate with the Housing and Development Board regarding residents' hoarding issues to prevent such future tragedies.

Conclusion

The incident raises urgent questions about fire safety in residential blocks and serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities many face in densely populated urban areas.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and the community remains shaken in the wake of this heartbreaking event. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.