Fire at Geylang shophouse kills 4, injures 8 others

UPDATE - The police said in a statement today that they received a call requesting for assistance at 1.33am at a building along Lorong 4, Geylang.

Upon their arrival at the scene, it was established that a fire had occurred.

Three people were pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene, while nine others were conveyed to hospital.

One more person subsequently succumbed to his injuries, bringing the death toll to four people.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Channel Newsasia also reported that the unit was believed to have been housing more people that allowed.

 SINGAPORE - A fire broke out early this morning at a shophouse in Geylang Lorong 4 and killed three people.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a media statement that they were alerted to the fire at about 1.40am.

Two fire engines, two red rhinos, six ambulances and two supporting vehicles were dispatched to the scene.

"Upon arrival within five minutes, thick black smoke was coming out of the unit. SCDF fire fighters entered the unit with two water jets. The fire was located in the centre of the unit and was extinguished within 30 minutes," the statement said.

While conducting a search of the unit, fire fighters found three people lying unconsciousness in one of the rooms. They were immediately brought out of the unit and CPR was performed on them by SCDF paramedics.

However, they could not be saved and all three were later pronounced dead at scene.

SCDF said it also conveyed seven other occupants of the unit to Tan Tock Seng and Singapore General Hospital.

In addition, two fire fighters sustained minor injuries while fighting the fire and were also conveyed to hospital.

The cause of fire is under investigation.

yamadak@sph.com.sg