Efforts of teachers & migrant workers prevented greater tragedy from the River Valley Road fire: School
17 teachers have been thanked by a cooking school in River Valley Road that was struck by fire earlier this week.
In a Facebook post on Saturday (12 April), Tomato Cooking School said they risked their own safety to evacuate the kids.
Source: Tomato cooking school on Facebook
Teachers used fire extinguishers to delay spread of fire
The school commended the “bravery and swift action” of teachers from the school and camp organiser Newtonshow, naming them as:
- Haida Waty
- Fazidah
- Keith
- Linxuan
- Sarah Mae
- Jasmine
- Kishen
- Farah Adriana
- Tria Medura
- Nabihah
- Krishna
- Ashley
- Syahira
- Sonia
- Sarah Aman
- Annalicia
- Aisyah
The teachers used fire extinguishers to help delay the spread of the fire and helped prevent an even greater tragedy, the school said, adding:
Your strength, courage, and dedication in the face of danger made all the difference… You are more than educators — in our eyes, you are heroes, and we will always remember your bravery.
1 girl lost her life in blaze
22 people were injured in the blaze, including 16 children.
One of them, 10-year-old Australian girl Freya Ji Yinan, tragically lost her life.
The school said it is “deeply saddened” by the loss, as well as the injuries suffered by others, adding:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
While “nothing can take away the pain”, it’s grateful that greater loss was averted.
Migrant workers also hailed for life-saving efforts
Besides the teacher, a group of migrant workers have also been hailed for their assistance.
Photos shared with MS News, showed the workers forming a human chain using a construction ladder and a metal scaffolding, bravely ferrying those trapped inside to safety.
Courtesy of MS News reader
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (9 April), the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group will recognise the workers.
Four of them have received Friends of ACE coins:
- Inderjit Singh
- Subramanian Saranraj
- Nagarajan Anbarasan
- Sivasami Vijayaraj
Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower on Facebook
Fire safety non-compliances found in River Valley shophouse
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Facebook on 9 April that the fire likely originated from a storage area on the second storey of the three-storey shophouse, based on preliminary findings.
Fire safety non-compliances were also found during preliminary investigations, including unauthorised works involving the erection of partitions within the premises.
SCDF takes “a very serious” view of such non-compliances as they pose “significant risks” to lives and property, it added.
Those responsible may be fined up to S$200,000 and/or jailed for up to 24 months.
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Featured image adapted from Tomato cooking school on Facebook.
