SCDF Officer Faces Charge in Fatal Henderson HDB Fire

A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer, Muhammad Kamil Mohamed Yasin, 39, is set to plead guilty on January 15, 2025, to charges related to the death of Sgt 1 Edward H. Go, a 19-year-old full-time national serviceman (NSF). Sgt 1 Go died while fighting a fire at Block 91 Henderson Road on December 8, 2022, marking the first SCDF operational fatality.

Kamil faces one charge of causing grievous hurt by a rash act endangering life. He is accused of leaving the burning fourth-floor unit during the operation, abandoning Sgt 1 Go inside and failing to inform anyone. Investigations revealed that Sgt 1 Go suffocated due to a depleted air cylinder, with no evidence of equipment failure.

Despite immediate rescue efforts by his crew and paramedics, including the use of CPR and a defibrillator, Sgt 1 Go was pronounced dead at Singapore General Hospital.

Sgt 1 Go had been deemed physically fit for frontline firefighting and excelled in various tests, including the gold standard in his individual physical proficiency test and an A grade in his breathing apparatus proficiency test. Since joining the Central Fire Station in May 2022, he had attended nearly 60 emergency calls.

The SCDF acknowledged that another officer is under investigation for failing to ensure the overall safety of the operation when he arrived to assume command.

If convicted, Kamil faces up to four years’ imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both. His case will be heard by District Judge Shawn Ho, with veteran criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary representing him.

The tragedy has drawn significant public attention, highlighting safety protocols and operational accountability within SCDF firefighting operations.

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