Heroic Rescue: Bystander Saves Child from Third-Floor Ledge in Canberra HDB Incident
In a dramatic turn of events, a child was rescued from a precarious situation on the ledge of a third-floor Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Canberra. The incident, which unfolded on October 20, 2024, at Block 350C of Canberra Road, saw a quick-thinking member of the public climb to the ledge to save the child, who was spotted standing outside a window.
According to reports, the alarming scene was captured on video and shared by Facebook user Nela M Hock, who documented the rescue. Bystanders had attempted to alert the child’s family by knocking on the door, but to their dismay, no one answered. Nela referred to the rescuer as a “hero” for his brave actions.
In the footage, the rescuer can be seen carefully navigating the ledge to reach the child, who appeared surprisingly calm despite the alarming circumstances. Meanwhile, another man positioned himself on the second-floor ledge, while four others on the ground held out a blanket in case of a fall.
As the rescuer successfully reached the child, he noticed an open window and handed the child to someone inside the apartment. This prompted an audible gasp from the crowd, with one bystander exclaiming, “Oh my God, there is someone inside!” This revelation raised questions about the family’s awareness of the child’s dangerous situation.
In her post, Nela urged parents and guardians to exercise greater caution when it comes to the safety of small children at home. She emphasized the importance of securing windows, stating, “You are lucky this boy didn’t jump or miss his footing.” Her message serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when safety measures are not taken seriously.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they received a call for assistance around 11:50 AM on the same day. The child was subsequently taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital as a precautionary measure. The SCDF also indicated that they would be reaching out to commend the members of the public who stepped in to help during the incident, recognizing their public-spiritedness.
As the community reflects on this close call, the incident highlights the critical importance of vigilance and safety measures in homes, particularly for families with young children. The quick actions of the bystander not only saved a life but also served as a poignant reminder of the need for greater awareness and responsibility among parents and guardians.