Hougang Block 971 Fire Leaves Two Dead, Evacuation of 30 Residents

 

***Update: Latest update from SCDF, 3 dead as 1 more body found on another room. RIP.

A tragic fire at Block 971, Hougang Street 91, on Jan 9 resulted in the loss of two lives. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident at approximately 12:40pm. Firefighters from Ang Mo Kio and Sengkang Fire Stations were swiftly deployed to the scene.

The fire occurred in a unit on the third floor of the residential block. Upon arrival, SCDF officers faced challenges entering the affected unit due to excessive items cluttering the space. Forced entry was conducted, and firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.

During the operation, two individuals were discovered inside a bedroom. Despite SCDF's immediate response, both were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic. Their identities and the circumstances leading to their entrapment remain under investigation.

As a precautionary measure, about 30 residents from Levels 1 to 7 were evacuated by the Police and SCDF. The swift evacuation ensured the safety of the occupants while firefighting operations continued.

The situation highlighted the potential dangers of cluttered living spaces, which can exacerbate the intensity of fires and impede rescue efforts. Excessive items within the unit made navigation and firefighting particularly difficult, delaying access to the victims.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. This incident is a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety and maintaining clear spaces within homes to prevent such tragedies.

This marks another critical moment for SCDF, whose firefighters work tirelessly to manage the rising number of fire incidents in Singapore. In 2023, the nation recorded 1,954 fires, an 8.6% increase from 2022. The need for vigilance and awareness in fire prevention is more pressing than ever.

The residents of the affected block were temporarily displaced as firefighters worked to ensure the building’s safety. Updates on the investigation and support for the affected families are expected in the coming days.