Tragedy Strikes in Singapore: 10-Year-Old Girl Dies in Shophouse Fire
A devastating fire broke out at a shophouse on River Valley Road in central Singapore, claiming the life of a 10-year-old girl and leaving many others injured. The fire occurred on Tuesday, with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responding quickly to the emergency.
The Incident
The fire was reported at 9:45 am at 278 River Valley Road, a location where education and enrichment classes for children were conducted. Upon arrival, the SCDF found the fire raging on the second and third floors of the three-storey shophouse, with several people stranded on a ledge outside the third-floor unit.
Rescue Efforts
Members of the public, including construction workers, quickly came to the rescue, using a metal scaffolding and ladder to reach those stranded and bring them to safety. The SCDF deployed rescue ladders and a Combined Platform Ladder to rescue the remaining stranded people on the ledge.
Casualties and Evacuation
A total of 15 children and five adults were taken to the hospital, while around 80 people from the affected shophouse and nearby premises were evacuated. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Fire Extinguished
The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes using three water jets. The SCDF expressed gratitude to the members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts, praising their quick actions and bravery.
Home Affairs Minister’s Statement
Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed the fatality during his address at Changi Airport to welcome home the Operation Lionheart contingent that had returned from quake rescue efforts in Myanmar.
Video Footage
A video of the rescue efforts can be viewed below:
About BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information, disseminated via BERNAMA Wires, www.bernama.com, BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631, and MYTV 121 channels, and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu), and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter: @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram: @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok: @bernamaofficial
Conclusion
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the 10-year-old girl who lost her life in the fire.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the fire?
A: The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Q: How many people were injured in the fire?
A: A total of 15 children and five adults were taken to the hospital.
Q: How many people were evacuated from the affected shophouse and nearby premises?
A: Around 80 people were evacuated.
Q: What was the response time of the SCDF?
A: The SCDF responded quickly to the emergency, with the fire being extinguished within 30 minutes.