{
  "id": 42140,
  "title": "Fatal Clementi blaze: Dry rising main not in proper working condition during firefighting operation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/fatal-clementi-blaze-dry-rising-main-not-in-proper-working-condition",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-02T10:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fatal-clementi-blaze-dry-rising-main-not-in-proper-working-condition-during-firefighting-operation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On July 31, a fire broke out in an eighth-floor flat in Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4, Singapore. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the blaze, arriving around 11:10pm. During the firefighting effort, a malfunctioning dry rising main disrupted the firefighting operation. This vertical red pipe, charged with water from a fire engine, provided water pressure necessary to effectively combat the fire. The malfunction resulted in reduced water pressure, preventing the fire from being effectively extinguished. Two firefighters were taken to the hospital with burn injuries, and the flat's occupant, who was unconscious upon arrival, later died in the hospital. The town council, Holland-Bukit Panjang, investigated the incident and found that the reduction in water pressure was due to a dislodged coupling securing a segment of the dry rising main. The council repaired the coupling and conducted further tests to ensure the system's proper operation. The dry rising main at the affected block had been last serviced and pressure tested on March 14, and was found to be in good condition. The town council is cooperating fully with the SCDF's investigation and will strengthen the maintenance and testing regime for the entire dry rising main and hose reel system. They have also offered condolences to the resident's family and wished the injured firefighters a speedy recovery.",
  "summary": "A coupling securing a segment had become dislodged, but has since been rectified, said the town council.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}