East Coast GRC MP and Minister of State for Communications and Information, Tan Kiat How, said in a Facebook post that he was heartbroken to hear that three persons have died in the fire that broke out at Block 409 Bedok North, of which one of the casualties was a toddler.
He said that they were monitoring the condition of one other person who was sent to the hospital and is in critical condition.
Here is what he said
I was heartbroken to hear that three persons have died as a result of the fire at Blk 409 Bedok North this morning, including a three year old child. A very young life abruptly cut short. My heart goes out to the family.
We are closely monitoring the condition of one other person who was brought to the hospital. I hope for the best. We will support the family during this difficult period.
I visited and spoke to many of our affected residents. By mid-day, almost all residents have returned to their flats after SCDF inspected the block and gave the clearance. Some of them are still shaken but are coping well.
Residents shared with me many stories of how neighbours and volunteers have bravely jumped in to help. For example, 14 year old Ping Pang from Temasek Junior College IP who ran the length and breadth of the block without his shoes to alert neighbours to the fire, and a young man who helped carry his neighbour’s mother who was in a wheelchair to safety. This is truly our Kampong spirit.
My volunteers and I are helping residents of affected units, including cleaning their homes and arranging for temporary accommodations if needed.
ECTC and its contractors are working hard to fix electrical wires affected by the fire and also clean up corridors and common areas.
I thank our agencies such as Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Housing & Development Board, East Coast Town Council and People’s Association for their support, as well as the dedication of Our Kampong Chai Chee grassroots leaders and volunteers