In June last year, a fire broke out in a unit at a Bukit Batok HDB flat, claiming the life of a 79-year-old man.
During a coroner’s inquiry on Monday (28 Oct), it was revealed that the victim may have dozed off while smoking on the sofa, causing ash to fall and ignite the blaze.
The fire left him with severe burns covering the majority of his body. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the incident occurred on 14 June 2023 at 6.47pm.
The deceased, identified as Lin Guoyou (transliterated from Mandarin), lived on the 12th floor of Block 307 Bukit Batok Street 31 with his wife and son.
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An officer investigating the case testified that Mr Lin’s wife had left the flat around 6.30pm to buy food, leaving her husband resting on the living room sofa.
Shortly after, neighbours reported hearing a loud noise and noticed thick smoke pouring from the unit.
Two neighbours attempted to extinguish the flames and prevented Mr Lin’s wife from entering the flat when she returned.
When officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived, they found Mr Lin lying in the living room with severe burns across his body.
He was still breathing and semi-conscious as they carried him out and transported him to Singapore General Hospital.
Mr Lin was pronounced dead at 3.59am the following morning.
An autopsy confirmed that he had suffered extensive burns, with 80% of his body affected, including his head, chest, and limbs.
The cause of death was determined to be these severe burns.
Based on burn patterns in the living room, investigators concluded that the fire likely started on the sofa.
Among the ashes, SCDF officers discovered a mobile phone, a lighter, and an ashtray.
The blaze is believed to have been accidental, possibly caused by cigarette ash igniting the sofa and nearby flammable items such as newspapers.
Investigators also noted a brown circular mark on the table in front of the sofa, suggesting that an ashtray had likely been placed there.
However, it was thought that it may have been knocked onto the sofa during firefighting efforts.
When asked if this pointed to Mr Lin possibly falling asleep while smoking, which could have led to the fire, the investigator agreed, adding that it was unlikely the ashtray had originally been on the sofa.
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News.
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