Joo Seng Fire Suspect Says He Did Not Intend To Hurt Anyone After Allegedly Setting Blaze At Parents’ Flat
A 44-year-old Singaporean man accused of starting a fire inside his family’s Joo Seng flat has told the court he never intended to harm anyone despite allegedly igniting a pot of charcoal that eventually engulfed the home in flames.
The incident, which shocked residents in the area earlier this week, resulted in several people being taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, including two firefighters who reportedly felt unwell during rescue operations.
The accused, identified as Liu Zhe Yuan, appeared in court on May 6 wearing a white polo shirt and black-rimmed glasses. During proceedings, he reportedly admitted to starting the fire but insisted there was no intention to injure his elderly parents or anyone else living nearby.
Court documents stated that the incident took place at Block 14 Joo Seng Road on the night of May 4 at around 9:40pm. , Shin Min Daily News reported.
According to the charge sheet, Liu allegedly burned a pot of charcoal inside the living room, knowing it was likely to cause destruction to the property.
Fire Engulfed Flat As Elderly Parents Escaped Safely
The blaze rapidly spread through the unit, causing significant damage to the home occupied by Liu and his elderly parents.
Fortunately, all occupants managed to escape safely before the situation worsened.
However, emergency responders and nearby residents were affected by the thick smoke generated from the fire. Reports stated that eight people were conveyed to hospital for smoke inhalation, while two Singapore Civil Defence Force officers were also hospitalised after experiencing discomfort during firefighting efforts.
The case has once again drawn public attention to fire safety risks within HDB estates, especially incidents involving open flames and enclosed residential spaces.
During court proceedings, Liu appealed for permission to contact his parents or be granted bail, claiming he needed to settle urgent matters involving the family’s finances and caregiving arrangements.
He reportedly told the court that he had been managing his household’s finances and that cash stored inside the flat was destroyed during the blaze.
Suspect Claims Family Facing Financial Difficulties
Liu also claimed that his elderly parents were unfamiliar with digital payment systems and depended heavily on him for financial matters.
According to reports, he informed the court that his father had previously lost S$1,000 to a scam in 2025, further worsening the family’s financial difficulties.
The prosecution, however, requested that Liu be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health for two weeks for psychiatric evaluation.
The court agreed to the request and denied bail for the time being.
The judge also instructed investigating officers to alert relevant social service agencies if assistance was required for Liu’s parents during this period.
The matter has been adjourned to May 20 pending the outcome of the medical assessments.
Mental Health And Domestic Stress Under Spotlight
The incident has sparked online discussions surrounding mental health struggles, caregiving pressure and the emotional strain faced by individuals supporting elderly family members in Singapore.
While investigations remain ongoing, the court proceedings suggest that authorities are taking precautionary steps to assess Liu’s psychological condition before deciding on the next course of action.
Cases involving alleged arson in residential estates are treated seriously in Singapore due to the potential risk posed to neighbouring units and emergency responders.
If convicted of mischief by fire, offenders can face severe penalties under Singapore law, especially when lives and public safety are endangered.
For now, the case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing the circumstances leading up to the Joo Seng blaze.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News