A 56-year-old man was found dead inside his HDB flat in Toa Payoh after a neighbour became concerned when he had not been seen leaving his home for two days.
The incident came to light on the morning of Nov 11, when the neighbour noticed several unusual signs coming from the man’s unit at Block 52 Lorong Toa Payoh.
According to a report by Shin Min Daily News, the neighbour realised that the lights inside the flat had remained switched off for two days. He also detected a foul smell coming from the unit.
Concerned about the situation, he approached a young passer-by and asked him to contact the police for assistance.
The Singapore Police Force subsequently confirmed that they received a call at around 9.50am on Nov 11.
Officers arrived at the residential block and discovered a 56-year-old man lying motionless inside his flat. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police investigations found no indication of foul play.
Neighbour Noticed Something Was Unusual
A reporter from Shin Min Daily News who visited the location observed that the unit’s entrance was secured with a chain. The wooden door was slightly open, while the upper sections of the window louvres were also left open.
Despite this, a strong smell could still be detected near the flat.
Outside the unit, a bicycle and a power-assisted bicycle were parked near the entrance.
The neighbour who raised the alarm told Shin Min that the deceased had apparently been living alone for some time.
He recalled that the man regularly used the bicycle parked outside his home to travel to work during the day.
The neighbour also believed that the man took on odd jobs rather than holding a permanent full-time position.
Man Had Lived In The Flat For Many Years
The neighbour, who had been living in the same block for approximately 20 years, said the deceased had been a familiar face in the area for a long time.
He recalled that the man previously lived with his mother and younger brother in the same flat.
However, their family circumstances changed after their mother passed away.
According to the neighbour, the deceased and his younger brother did not appear to have a particularly close relationship. The brother eventually moved out and was no longer seen visiting the unit.
The deceased was also described as someone who largely kept to himself.
The neighbour said he rarely saw visitors entering the flat and could not recall seeing the man’s friends dropping by.
His daily routine appeared relatively quiet and predictable. He would leave home during the day, presumably for work, before returning in the evening.
At home, he reportedly spent his time watching television dramas or listening to the radio.
The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly detailed.
While police investigations do not suggest foul play, the discovery has highlighted how easily someone living alone can go unnoticed when they suddenly stop appearing in their usual daily routines.
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for elderly neighbours, people living alone and those who may have limited family contact.
Sometimes, a simple knock on the door or checking in on a neighbour can make a difference.