One dead after fire in Upper Serangoon flat

A 68-year-old man died after a fire broke out at an HDB flat in Upper Serangoon on September 1. The incident occurred at Block 8, Lorong Lew Lian, around 2.45pm, according to police and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reports. Firefighters responded quickly and discovered the man unconscious in the living room of a third-floor unit. They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation before transporting him to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze, which originated from the living room contents. Black smoke was visible when emergency personnel arrived, as noted in an SCDF Facebook post. Three other individuals, all women aged between 51 and 94, were rescued and taken to hospitals. Two of them showed symptoms such as breathlessness, while one was assessed for smoke inhalation. All three were conscious upon arrival. Thirty residents were evacuated during the operation. MP Seah Kian Peng, representing the Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, expressed his condolences following the incident. He described the deceased as a long-time resident and a friendly individual, stating that he had last seen him recently. Seah praised the swift response of the SCDF and acknowledged the community's efforts in supporting those affected. He also mentioned that assistance is being coordinated for displaced residents. Residents shared their experiences of the fire. A woman named Zoki, living on the 12th floor, recalled smelling gas and seeing thick black smoke from below. She noted that the third-floor unit had been cluttered with items such as cages and cabinets. Another neighbor, Ang, who resides on the fifth floor, recounted advising the deceased to clear his belongings due to safety concerns. Despite warnings, the man refused, saying he cherished his possessions. Student Derrly Sherwin, who shares a floor with the victim, described how he was awakened by his mother’s call to evacuate. Alongside his mother and brother, he spent nearly two hours waiting downstairs. He remembered the deceased as a kind-hearted man who offered him drinks and treated him well. The flat also housed the man’s daughter in her 30s. A resident named Zaf, living on the sixth floor, was away from home when his wife urgently called him. Upon returning, he found his daughter struggling to breathe due to smoke. Zaf, a former firefighter, emphasized the urgency of getting his family out safely. After evacuating, he helped calm his daughter with water and ensured their safety outdoors. His wife, meanwhile, focused on keeping the children safe amid the chaos. Police stated that initial investigations do not suggest foul play, although inquiries continue. Emergency services remained at the scene until late afternoon, with multiple vehicles present. Witnesses described the aftermath as both tragic and chaotic, highlighting the impact on families and the broader community. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are working to provide support to those affected.