SINGAPORE - A devastating fire broke out at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Hougang on January 9, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals and prompting the emergency evacuation of around 30 residents from the first seven floors of the 15-storey building.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that the victims were discovered during firefighting efforts in a third-floor unit of Block 971 Hougang Street 91. Two bodies were located inside a bedroom, while a third victim was subsequently found in another bedroom within the same unit. The identities of the deceased are still being confirmed by authorities.

Firefighters, alerted to the incident around 12:40 PM, faced significant challenges entering the unit due to an overwhelming amount of items cluttering the space. They managed to extinguish the blaze by approximately 3:15 PM and successfully rescued several pets from the unit, including a cat, a bird, and eight rabbits.

Eyewitness accounts describe alarming scenes as the fire erupted. A resident from a nearby block reported hearing two loud bangs shortly after noon, followed by thick smoke visible from her window. Clarence Lee, a 24-year-old hawker living in an adjacent building, noted a burning smell escalating around 1 PM, with smoke rapidly obscuring his view.

Madam Said, a resident on the second floor, recounted her experience of the incident, revealing that the occupant of the affected unit is a man in his 60s, known in the community for his daily dog walks. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, she swiftly evacuated her mother and herself, anxiously waiting for the all-clear after hours outside their home.

In response to the tragedy, MP Ng Ling Ling, representing Ang Mo Kio GRC, announced on Facebook that the authorities were actively working to identify the victims, while also offering support to those affected. Residents requiring assistance were directed to a grassroots network center at Block 976, which is available until 10 PM.

Meanwhile, Ang Mo Kio Town Council has stepped in to help clean up the debris and soot that resulted from the fire. Highlighting the importance of safety, the town council assured residents that there were no reports of obstruction in communal areas but acknowledged the need to address internal hoarding issues, stating they would collaborate with the HDB to facilitate the removal of excess items when necessary.

As investigations by the police are currently underway, this heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of household hazards. Local officials urge residents to regularly check smoke detectors and maintain clear pathways in their homes to ensure safety for themselves and their neighbors.