Lorong Lew Lian fire: 94-year-old neighbour escapes barefoot with walking stick, later carried downstairs by firefighter

A tragic fire broke out at a flat in Lorong Lew Lian estate, Upper Serangoon on September 1, claiming the life of a 68-year-old man. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the call at around 2:45pm, encountering black smoke emanating from a third-floor unit. Upon arrival, firefighters found an unconscious man in the living room, who was subsequently resuscitated with CPR before being transported to the hospital.

The SCDF extinguished the fire using a single water jet, targeting the contents of the living room. A neighbor of the affected unit shared their recollections with Shin Min Daily News. The man, who had a wife and three daughters, suffered a significant personality change two years prior to the incident, leading to his wife moving in with one of their children.

This led to him becoming increasingly reclusive, hoarding items and occasionally moving them around at night. The neighbor observed the man frequently lighting candles to light the dark living space, and even apologized for it upon speaking with her.

On the morning of the fire, around 6am, the neighbor observed the man rearranging items along the corridor while her 10-year-old son was being taken to school. The man comforted her son by saying, "You're a good boy. Your future will be bright." The neighbor later found out that his wife was deeply saddened by his death.

When the SCDF arrived on September 1, a 94-year-old woman who lived next door, surnamed Huang, escaped her flat barefoot, clutching a walking stick. She had forgotten to put on her shoes, hearing aid, and keys in her haste to escape the thick smoke. The affected flat was situated near the lift, limiting her progress to the staircase before a firefighter carried her downstairs.

Initially, Huang claimed she was fine, but later experienced chest tightness and sought medical attention, eventually visiting the hospital for examination.