Devastating Blaze in Hougang Housing Block
A fire broke out at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Hougang on January 9. Three people were found dead, and several residents were displaced. The fire started on the third floor of Block 971 Hougang Street 91. As a result, 30 residents from the first seven floors had to evacuate.
Details of the Incident
Firefighters discovered two victims inside a bedroom during their search and firefighting efforts. A third body was later found in another bedroom. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) had to contend with obstacles caused by the large amount of items inside the unit.
Evacuation Measures and Fire Containment
The SCDF was alerted to the fire at approximately 12:40 pm. With assistance from the police, residents were evacuated from levels one to seven of the block. The fire was brought under control by 3:15 pm, with animals including a cat, bird, and eight rabbits rescued from the unit.
Witness Accounts of the Fire
Nearby residents reported hearing loud noises and seeing smoke rising from the building. A hawker who lives across the street noticed a burning smell and observed smoke enveloping the view from his window.
Personal Impact on Residents
Said, a resident on the second floor, shared that the occupant of the unit was a man in his 60s, often seen walking his dog. Another resident, a housewife, explained that she and her mother had to evacuate their flat for hours and couldn’t return due to police activity.
Ongoing Investigation and Assistance
In an update, MP Ng Ling Ling of Ang Mo Kio GRC stated that efforts to identify the victims are ongoing. Residents in need of help can visit the residents’ network centre at Block 976 for support.
Town Council’s Efforts
Ang Mo Kio Town Council has been working to clean the affected areas and mitigate the aftermath of the fire. They will also collaborate with HDB to assist in removing excess items from residents’ units to address hoarding issues.