Man arrested for suspected arson after 4 fires at Punggol HDB block in 3 days
A Punggol HDB block became the site of multiple suspected arson incidents, with four fires reported in just three days.
On 6 Nov at around 2.30am, a resident of Block 121A Edgedale Plains was woken by the smell of smoke coming from the corridor on the 16th floor.
Upon checking, he found some of his neighbour’s items on fire. The resident and his next-door neighbour quickly used a hose to put out the flames, with help from another resident on the 15th floor.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
He noted that the fire didn’t trigger any alarms, and they were fortunate to spot it in time before it caused more serious damage.
Fires all occurred on 15th or 16th floors
The resident told Shin Min Daily News that in the three days following 3 Nov, four separate fires occurred at the same location, all on the 15th or 16th floors.
On 5 Nov at around 2.30pm, another resident reported smelling burning and discovered the rubbish chute on fire.
The flames had blackened the walls and ceiling.
Additionally, a water meter area in the block had also been scorched.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
Given the frequency of the fires, residents grew suspicious that arson was to blame.
One resident mentioned that many homeowners, himself included, installed CCTV cameras in the corridor for added security.
Suspect arrested for arson
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed the 6 Nov fire to MS News.
It stated that the fire, which involved items in the corridor on the 16th floor, was extinguished by a member of the public using a hosereel before SCDF arrived.
SCDF also noted that one person was assessed by a paramedic but declined to be sent to the hospital.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
On 7 Nov, witnesses reported seeing the police arrest a suspect for arson and bring him back to the scene.
Handcuffed, the suspect pointed to the fire’s location while speaking with officers.
A police officer later reassured a resident that the matter had been resolved.
MS News understands that the suspect has since been charged in court.
Also read: Fire breaks out in Yishun HDB stairwell for two consecutive days, arson prank suspected
Fire breaks out in Yishun HDB stairwell for two consecutive days, arson prank suspected
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News and Shin Min Daily News.
