3 dead after fire breaks out in Hougang flat, 30 evacuated

[UPDATE Jan 13] The police confirmed the identity of two of the deceased persons — a 62-year-old-man and an 18-year-old woman. The identity of the third person is still unknown, said the police in response to AsiaOne's queries.

The police said that based on preliminary investigations, no foul play is suspected, and investigations are ongoing.

Three residents were found dead after a fire broke out in an Hougang HDB flat on Thursday (Jan 9).

The fire occurred in a third floor unit of Block 971 Hougang Street 91 at around 12.40pm, according to a Facebook post by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Firefighters from Sengkang Fire Station and Ang Mo Kio Fire Station were deployed and conducted forcible entry into the unit but faced difficulties due to excessive items within the unit, SCDF added. 

Around 30 residents in the affected block were evacuated by the police and SCDF during firefighting operations as a precautionary measure.

Three residents were found inside a bedroom during the firefighting efforts and were pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic.

Firefighters used three water jets and a firefighting robot to extinguish the fire. According to the SCDF, the fire was put out at about 3.15pm.

A cat, a bird and eight rabbits were also rescued from the unit.

In a Facebook post that day, Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Ng Ling Ling said she visited the incident site with grassroots volunteers on Thursday afternoon to provide affected residents with assistance.

"During such a difficult time, I appeal to our JK [Jalan Kayu] community to support the affected family with prayers & encourage our volunteers, town council, SCDF & SPF officers who have been working hard to help in every way we can," said Ng.

A resident from a nearby block commented on Ng's Facebook post, recalling the incident and describing the "unbearable" burning smell and white smoke emanating from the fire.

The resident said that she is "saddened" by the deaths, and sends her deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

In response to AsiaOne's queries, a spokesperson from Ang Mo Kio Town Council said that it assisted residents by cleaning up debris and soot caused by the fire.

"The town council will be carrying out the necessary repairs to the common corridor of the affected area, such as rewiring and repainting works."

There were no reports of obstruction in common areas regarding the affected unit, the town council said, adding that it will work closely with HDB to assist residents in removing items from their units when needed.

"The safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority, and we will continue to co-operate with both the HDB and the relevant authorities in their investigations into this incident."

The police said that investigations into the fire are ongoing.

dana.leong@asiaone.com

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