Saturday, August 4, 2007

Five Injured In Fire At Jalan Bukit Merah

Source : Channel NEws Asia, 03 August 2007

Five people were injured in a fire at HDB Block 105 in Jalan Bukit Merah on Friday morning.

One of them, a 70-year-old man, was rescued by firefighters from a burning flat.

He suffered burns on his body.


Four others from neighbouring units suffered smoke inhalation.

All five have been sent to the hospital.

Related Video Link - http://tinyurl.com/2pnsg8 [Channel News Asia Video News]

The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has deployed a staff to the nearby Sarah Senior Activity Centre, now used as a relief centre for the affected residents.

The centre is located on the second floor of Block 105.

NCSS said it is working alongside other agencies to help the injured and their families.

It has also linked up with an agency to offer counselling services at the centre if they require such help.

Callers to the MediaCorp News Hotline said the fire broke out at a flat on the sixth floor at about 6.15am.

Video from the Civil Defence Force showed that one flat was totally burnt while two others had external damage.

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes.

Some residents from units on the 5th to 12th storeys were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee, who is also the MP for the Tanjong Pagar area, visited the site on Friday morning and an emergency meeting was held with the authorities.

Victims who cannot return to their flats are given temporary housing, while those who can, are given help in cleaning up their homes.

Affected families were given S$200 each in cash and vouchers.

Professor Koo said their needs would be assessed and more help is available.-CNA/ch/so

No comments: