More details have emerged regarding the man found dead outside a flat after a fire broke out at a Potong Pasir HDB block on Wednesday (28 Aug).
According to 8world News, the victim was Lin Mingli (name transliterated from Chinese), a 44-year-old freelancer.
Source: Facebook
He was single and had moved into the Potong Pasir flat to live with his aunt and cousin one or two years ago.
His older brother, who wished to remain anonymous, told Lianhe Zaobao that their aunt had passed away just 100 days earlier.
From what Lin’s brother understands, the deceased had been drinking with friends earlier that morning and was sent home by one of them.
The friend knocked on the door and called out several times, attempting to wake Lin’s cousin.
When no one answered, the friend left, leaving a drunk Lin in the corridor.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao
It is believed that after the friend left, Lin attempted to light a cigarette with a lighter but accidentally set himself on fire instead.
Neighbours heard his cries of pain and rushed to investigate.
They found Lin on fire, quickly extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher, and called the police.
Lin’s cousin, who had been fast asleep at the time, only learnt of the incident when the police arrived.
Her heart-wrenching cries were heard throughout the area as Lin’s body was removed from the scene.
Source: 8world News
Lin’s brother also shared that their mother, who is in her 80s, was beside him when he received the tragic news. She was devastated upon hearing of her son’s death.
Described as an extremely filial son, Lin had recently talked about taking their mother on a trip to Taiwan.
He was also known as a loyal and kind friend with a wide social circle.
Lianhe Zaobao reported that the intense fire burned parts of Lin’s body.
However, the exact cause of death — whether due to the fire or an underlying health condition — will need to be determined through further autopsy.
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Featured image adapted from 林明利 on Facebook and Lianhe Zaobao.
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