E-Bike In Punggol Flat Catches Fire, 4 Sent To Hospital
UPDATE (30 Oct, 3pm): The SCDF has shared that the firefighter was discharged from the hospital on Sunday (29 Oct).
He was also given seven days of medical leave.
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An HDB flat in Punggol caught fire in the early hours of Saturday (28 Oct) after an e-bike reportedly burst into flames while charging.
Fortunately, the people in the flat had evacuated before the arrival of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
However, SCDF sent three people from neighbouring units to the hospital for shortness of breath.
In addition, they also conveyed a firefighter to the hospital for fatigue as a precaution.
3 people & 1 firefighter sent to hospital after living room blaze
Responding to queries from MS News, the SCDF said they received word of the fire at Block 326A Sumang Walk on Saturday (28 Oct), around 2.10am.
Source: Google Maps
The fire involved the contents of a living room on a 10th-floor unit.
Firefighters from Punggol Fire Station utilised a water jet to put out the blaze.
Thankfully, the occupants of the flat had already evacuated prior to the arrival of the SCDF.
However, three people from neighbouring flats experienced shortness of breath as a result of the fire. As such, the SCDF conveyed them to Sengkang General Hospital.
In addition, they also sent a firefighter who felt fatigued to Singapore General Hospital as a precautionary measure.
“The firefighter was not part of the crew that entered the unit to conduct the firefighting operation,” SCDF noted. “He is currently under observation in the hospital.”
Punggol flat fire likely caused by e-bike battery pack
Following preliminary investigations, the fire appears to have started from the battery pack of a Powered Assisted Bike (PAB), or e-bike, that was charging in the living room.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
To prevent such incidents, the SCDF reminded members of the public to not leave these mobility devices charging for longer than necessary, or leave them charging overnight.
Additionally, users of such devices should only use and purchase original batteries.
This case highlights the importance of guarding against possible fire hazards if you are an e-bike user.
Besides the above tips, the SCDF provided a handy infographic with more details on how to protect yourself from similar occurrences:
Image courtesy of SCDF
Also Read: E-Bike Catches Fire Near Bedok Mall, Loud Popping Noises Heard Before SCDF Arrives
E-Bike Catches Fire Near Bedok Mall, Loud Popping Noises Heard Before SCDF Arrives
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps and Shin Min Daily News.
