2 dead in Toa Payoh flat fire

Two people died after a fire broke out in a second-floor unit at Block 173 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 on Tuesday evening (July 22). 

In a Facebook post at about 9.15pm, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it was alerted to the fire at about 7.30pm, adding that the living room of the unit was on fire. 

Firefighters entered the smoke-filled unit and extinguished the fire with a water jet.

In videos shared on social media, an area which appears to be the doorway was filled with smoke as fire raged in the living room. 

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“During the firefighting operation, firefighters found two unresponsive persons inside the unit and immediately carried them out.

“Both persons were pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic,” SCDF said. 

SCDF added in a subsequent update that three persons from neighbouring units were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital.

On July 22 at about 7.30pm, the police said they were alerted to a case of fire at Block 173 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

A 56-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman were found lying motionless in a unit and were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF medic.

Police and SCDF investigations are ongoing.

MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Cai Yinzhou, who was present at the scene, said that those in the three affected units have been moved to  temporary overnight accommodation arranged by the Housing Board, adding that resources have been activated to purchase bedding for the temporary accommodation.

In a Facebook post at around 1.45am on Wednesday (July 23), Cai added that some residents in the block, though relatively unaffected, have opted for alternative housing due to asthmatic and health conditions.

"(Bishan-Toa Payoh) Town Council is onsite working to reinstate electricity supply progressively to the units and common areas. They will follow up with units on cleaning support over the next few days", said Cai.

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editor@asiaone.com