3 sent to hospital after fire in Bukit Panjang flat that was likely of electrical origin

Bukit Panjang fire was confined to the bedroom of 9th-floor flat: SCDF

Three people were sent to the hospital on Sunday (4 Oct) morning after a fire broke out at a flat in Bukit Panjang, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in a Facebook post on the same day.

Footage posted on TikTok showed thick black smoke coming from the ninth-floor unit.

Fire engine sirens heard as SCDF & police arrive at the scene

In the clip, recorded from a neighbouring block, loud crackling sounds could be heard as the fire raged.

Fire engine sirens were also sounded as the smoke enveloped the upper floors of the block.

Another clip from the same user depicted residents gathered at the void deck after being evacuated from the block.

Police, firefighters and an ambulance had arrived at the scene by this time.

Bukit Panjang fire put out by SCDF with a water jet

In its post, SCDF said that it was alerted at about 9.35am to the fire at Block 479 Segar Road.

When firefighters arrived, they found one of the bedrooms in a ninth-floor unit on fire.

The blaze was confined to the bedroom and was extinguished by SCDF using one water jet.

As a precaution, about 100 residents from the affected block were evacuated by the police and SCDF.

3 sent to SGH for smoke inhalation

One person from the burning flat had evacuated before SCDF arrived.

That person was assessed for smoke inhalation together with two other people from neighbouring units.

All three of the neighbours were conveyed to the Singapore General Hospital.

Fire likely of electrical origin

SCDF said the fire is likely of electrical origin and started in the affected bedroom, according to preliminary findings.

It thus reminded the public not to overload electrical outlets and to always switch off appliances when not in use, with only appliances and plugs bearing the Safety Mark to be used.

Residents should also check their wires regularly and replace or repair frayed wires or cracked cords.

Wires must not run under carpets and must be kept away from hot surfaces.

Lastly, batteries or devices should not be left charging unattended for an extended period of time or overnight, SCDF added.

Also read: 77-year-old woman dies after fire in Bukit Panjang flat, neighbour sent to hospital

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com

Featured image adapted from @dwi.astutik343 on TikTok and Singapore Civil Defence Force on Facebook.