A fire broke out at a Housing Board block located at 20 Jalan Tenteram just before noon on Thursday, 29 May 2024, resulting in several injuries and an evacuation.
Details of the Incident
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), firefighters arrived at the scene at approximately 11.40 am. The fire originated from items placed along the corridor outside units on both the second and third floors, ultimately affecting the interiors of these units.
- Five individuals were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.
- Two were taken to Singapore General Hospital, two to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and one to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- A total of around 40 residents were evacuated as a safety precaution.
Response and Investigation
The SCDF extinguished the fire using two water jets, while nearby units suffered from heat and soot damage. Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the building, creating a dramatic scene.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with SCDF reminding the community to keep corridors, lift lobbies, and staircases free of clutter to prevent the spread of fire.
Past Fire Incidents
This is not the first fire to hit the Whampoa Heights neighbourhood; in February 2021, a similar incident at 22 Jalan Tenteram resulted in injuries to ten people, including three children.