A senior officer from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has been sentenced to six months in jail for endangering the life of a full-time national serviceman who tragically lost his life during a firefighting operation in December 2022. Muhammad Kamil Mohamed Yasin, 39, faced charges after the passing of Sergeant 1 Edward H. Go, the first firefighter to die during an SCDF operation.
Details of the Incident
On 8 December 2022, SCDF received an emergency call regarding a fire at Block 91, Henderson Road. Upon arrival, flames were still raging. Kamil, who was the ground commander, had already entered the flat with SGT1 Go and another firefighter. Unfortunately, after the third firefighter felt fatigued and left the scene, Kamil left SGT1 Go alone inside to fight the fire while he went to rest due to dizziness from the heat, a decision that would prove fatal.
The Consequences
- SGT1 Go was later found motionless in the kitchen and pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
- Muhammad Kamil pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt through a rash act, which endangered human life.
- During sentencing, Judge Shawn Ho expressed deep condolences to the family of SGT1 Go, acknowledging the tragedy of losing a young life dedicated to service.
Understanding Firefighting Protocols
According to SCDF safety doctrines, all firefighters are required to operate in pairs to minimise risk. Kamil’s decision to allow SGT1 Go to continue fighting the fire alone represented a clear breach of these safety protocols—an understanding that he, as a veteran firefighter of over 14 years, should have upheld.
Reactions and Future Implications
Deputy Public Prosecutors pointed out that Kamil showed little remorse initially and was reluctant to cooperate with investigations. Legal representatives argued for a more lenient sentence of two to three months, citing the challenging nature of the fire. However, Judge Ho maintained that Kamil’s actions directly contributed to the fatal outcome.
Improving Safety Measures
In the aftermath of this incident, SCDF has vowed to enhance training and command protocols. They are auditing firefighting operations to ensure compliance and the safety of all personnel under demanding conditions.