On Monday (27 Feb), an elderly couple in their 90s was rescued from their flat after a fire had broke out. Neighbours noticed a burning smell emanating from their flat and called emergency services just in time to save them.
The fire happened at around 8.30am, per a Shin Min Daily News report.
Source: Google Maps, for illustration purposes only
The couple was at home when the fire happened. A thick plume of black smoke was seen rising out of the apartment when the pair was still inside.
However, they are not sufficiently mobile due to their old age and health conditions.
According to The Straits Times (ST), the 98-year-old husband is diabetic while the 90-year-old wife has dementia.
The couple’s daughter told Shin Min Daily News that they were about to make their way to the nursing centre when the fire started in her father’s room. Apparently, he has the habit of using extension wires to connect his devices and electrical appliances.
Her mother then heard explosion sounds from that direction.
Fortunately, neighbours living on the floor below noticed the burning smell from the flat and called the authorities in time.
Responding to queries from MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they were alerted to the fire at around 8.45am on Monday. The fire involved contents of a bedroom unit on the 12th floor.
Officers from SCDF forced their way into the unit to rescue the elderly couple. They then put out the fire using a compressed air foam backpack.
By that point, the smoke had blackened most of the house. Many objects lying around the house were also destroyed.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
The pair were subsequently conveyed to Changi General Hospital due to smoke inhalation.
Shin Min Daily News reported that the husband is now in the intensive care unit of Singapore General Hospital. He had suffered first-degree burns and is currently in a coma.
The wife remains under observation at Changi General Hospital.
Roughly 20 people from the apartment block had self-evacuated before SCDF’s arrival at the scene.
Preliminary investigations have shown that the fire was of an electrical nature, said the SCDF.
This unfortunate case serves as a timely reminder to be careful when dealing with electrical appliances. To ensure your safety, here are some handy tips courtesy of the SCDF:
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News and Google Maps.
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Sparks from a mobile phone are believed to have started the incident.
It is located in Block 1C of the estate.