41-year-old woman rescued after being spotted on 16th-floor railing in Sengkang

A 41-year-old woman was rescued on Monday night (Sept 14) after being spotted sitting on a low railing outside her 16th-floor Housing & Development Board flat in Sengkang. The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. in Block 123B Rivervale Drive. She was subsequently taken to the hospital and subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008.

A resident living in the same building, 63-year-old Feng Jingting, informed Shin Min Daily News that she had overheard the woman's statements which might provide insight into her mental and emotional state. Feng explained that her son had returned home around 11:00 p.m. and informed her that something was happening at their block, as they did not have access to the elevator.

When Feng approached her neighbors, one of them mentioned that she had witnessed the scene, having seen the woman on the ledge. Upon opening her door, Feng observed personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) setting up rescue equipment should it be required. Inflatable safety life air packs were positioned at the foot of the block.

Police officers were also present at the scene. Prior to the police instructing her to close the door, Feng overheard the woman say "Nobody understands me" twice. A photograph published in the Chinese daily showed a slender woman wearing a T-shirt and shorts sitting on the wall at the staircase entrance between the 16th and 17th floors, gripping the handrail.

Feng mentioned that the woman was rescued shortly before 11:30 p.m., having initially attempted to jump.