On the morning of April 8, 2025, a serious fire broke out at a three-storey shophouse located at 278 River Valley Road, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving members of the public, construction workers, and emergency responders. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received an alert about the fire at approximately 9.45am.
When SCDF officers arrived, the fire was already spreading rapidly across the second and third floors of the building. According to visuals posted online, the affected building housed an education centre for young children. Footage showed several children sitting precariously on a third-storey ledge as thick black smoke billowed from the windows behind them.
In a remarkable act of public bravery, several bystanders and nearby construction workers sprang into action. They used metal scaffolding and ladders to climb up and assist in the rescue of children and adults who were stranded on the upper levels. These early efforts helped to bring some individuals to safety before SCDF's official rescue operations began.
SCDF then deployed rescue ladders and a combined platform ladder to reach those still stranded on the ledge. Meanwhile, firefighters entered the building and battled the blaze on the second and third floors using three water jets. Within 30 minutes, they successfully brought the fire under control.
The police and SCDF personnel evacuated about 80 individuals from the affected building and surrounding premises. A total of 19 people, including four adults and 15 children, were transported to hospital following the incident. The nature and extent of their injuries have not been detailed, but images from the scene showed some children wearing oxygen masks while being treated by paramedics.
Eyewitness happened to be on Bus 195 passing through the area at around 10.30am, reported that all bus passengers were asked to alight as authorities blocked off both ends of the road to facilitate emergency operations. He observed over 10 buses halted on both sides of the road and noted that the burning smell was still lingering in the air despite the fire being largely extinguished.
As of now, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities are looking into what sparked the blaze and whether safety lapses contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
In a statement issued after the incident, SCDF thanked the members of the public who risked their safety to help rescue those trapped on the upper floors. Their quick thinking and courageous efforts, combined with the coordinated response of emergency teams, prevented a potential tragedy from becoming worse.
This incident highlights not only the unpredictability of fire emergencies but also the vital role that everyday citizens can play in life-saving efforts. As investigations continue, attention is also expected to turn to fire safety measures in educational institutions and shophouses, especially those housing vulnerable populations like young children.
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