Incident Details

In a devastating incident on September 24, a fire broke out in a Choa Chu Kang Housing Board flat, resulting in the death of one resident. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that firefighters were alerted to the emergency at Block 692A Choa Chu Kang Crescent around 6 a.m.

Fire Response

Fire crews from the Bukit Batok and Woodlands Fire Stations responded promptly. They encountered a fierce blaze engulfing the living room and a bedroom on the ninth floor, necessitating forcible entry into the unit. Utilizing a water jet and two compressed air foam backpacks, the firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, although the unit suffered extensive heat and smoke damage.

Tragic Discovery

Inside the flat, firefighters tragically discovered one person in a bedroom who could not be revived. Paramedics pronounced the individual dead on the scene. Fortunately, no other occupants were found within the unit.

Evacuations and Fatalities

As a safety precaution, around 150 residents from the surrounding block were evacuated by police and SCDF personnel. This marks a grave statistic, as it represents the eighth fire-related fatality reported this year, a significant rise from just three in 2023.

Scene Investigation

Upon arrival at the scene, The Straits Times observed a strong police presence, with at least eight police cars and three fire trucks attending to the situation. The acrid smell of smoke lingered in the area, and fire investigators were meticulously assessing the damage alongside uniformed officers.

Resident Experiences

One resident, identified only as Madam Chong, recounted her alarming experience. Awakened by crackling sounds around 5 a.m., she noticed gray smoke filling her bedroom. As the smoke thickened, she sprang into action, alerting her neighbors to the fire while assisting her elderly mother down to safety.

Another resident, Ms. Lim, shared her panic as her mother detected the fumes around 5:30 a.m. They leapt into action after other residents knocked on their door, providing crucial assistance as they descended the smoke-filled stairs.

Extent of Damage

As residents returned to their units, they were shocked to discover the extent of the heat damage. Madam Chong revealed that firefighters measured the temperature in her flat at over 50 degrees Celsius, causing her floor tiles to crack from the residual heat.

Community Reaction

Neighbors expressed their concern for the affected unit, noting that a mother and son lived there, and a sense of shock rippled through the community with the news of the tragic incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the cause of the fire is currently ongoing. As authorities work to determine the factors leading to this heartbreaking event, residents remain on edge, reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of fire safety in high-density living environments like those in Choa Chu Kang.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, and remember to take precautions to ensure your family's safety at home!