Two people died after a fire broke out in their cluttered flat at Block 173 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh on 22 Jul 2025.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the blaze at 7:30pm that evening.
SCDF Battles Flames in Smoke-Filled Unit
The fire originated in the living room of the second-floor unit. Videos posted on TikTok showed large flames visible through the living room window as firefighters worked outside the unit.
Thick black smoke poured from the flat’s window on the opposite side. Burning ashes fell to the ground below. Multiple fire engines and police officers gathered at the foot of the block.
SCDF firefighters entered the smoke-filled unit and extinguished the fire using a water jet. During the operation, they discovered two unresponsive people inside the unit and immediately carried them out.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic. A blue police tent was later set up in the void deck of the block.
Three residents from neighbouring units were assessed for smoke inhalation and conveyed to Singapore General Hospital. One of them was an elderly woman living on the fifth floor who experienced difficulty breathing.
Victims’ Hoarding Habits Created Ongoing Neighbourhood Problems
A man and woman in their 50s lived in the affected flat, according to next-door neighbour Wu Tianjiao, a 66-year-old retiree. The pair were believed to be related to each other.
They had moved into the unit more than one year ago along with the man’s elderly mother. The elderly woman was subsequently sent to a nursing home.
The residents collected rubbish from outside and stored it both inside and outside their flat. This created an “unbearable” smell that forced Mr Wu to hold his breath when walking past the unit.
All neighbours were aware of the problem. Authorities had persuaded the pair to clear the clutter on multiple occasions, but the problem persisted.
Another resident, 65-year-old retiree Song Shiwen, said the couple occasionally threw food scraps downstairs. They continued this practice despite repeated reports and visits from the National Environment Agency.
A female resident who declined to be named said the clutter problem had been ongoing for some time. She expressed shock that it had led to their deaths.
The woman said her sister, who lived on the same floor as the affected flat, often heard the pair quarrelling.
SCDF is investigating the cause of the fire.