ITE student helps put out Buangkok HDB flat fire, leads 3 people to safety

An ITE student sprang into action to help three people escape after a fire broke out in a Buangkok HDB flat early Thursday morning (Aug 20).

The student, who lives in the unit next door, also responded with a fire extinguisher to help put out the fire, which occurred at Block 979B Buangkok Crescent.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC Victor Lye said the student led three people out of the affected flat and responded with a fire extinguisher before firefighters arrived.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) told AsiaOne that it was alerted to the fire at about 12.25am that day.

The blaze involved the contents of a bedroom in a unit on the second floor and was extinguished by SCDF firefighters using a water jet.

About 60 persons were evacuated as a safety precaution during firefighting operations.

One person was taken to Sengkang General Hospital.

Lye said the person, an elderly resident, suffered cuts to their feet and has since been discharged.

'Great kampung spirit'

Lye said he visited the affected family to offer support, and added that the local Residents' Network centre was opened for those affected by the fire to stay temporarily, but the family decided to stay with their neighbour instead.

"It's touching to see two families from different races, one sheltering the other without hesitation. Great kampung spirit!" he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

While cleaners have been clearing debris from the incident, Lye said the smell of smoke may linger for a while.

"Please continue to look out for each other in our community," he added.

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