DEAD BODY FOUND AT POTONG PASIR FLAT DURING DENGUE INSPECTIONS

The police said they were alerted to a case of unnatural death at Blk 139 Potong Pasir Ave 3 at around 4pm yesterday (July 2).

A body was found inside after authorities forced entry into the flat to conduct Dengue inspections.

The police added that they do not suspect foul play.

In response to CNA’s queries, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said its officers entered the flat “to conduct urgent dengue inspections” after multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner or occupier of the flat. 

The flat is located in an active dengue cluster area with 178 cases, said NEA.

In certain cases where urgent vector control measures are needed, NEA will issue a legal notice to residents requiring them to open up their premises for inspection at a specified date and time. 

Entry by force may be used if the premises remain inaccessible or are vacant.

Locksmith Mr Tan Meng Kee, 51, told CNA that he was engaged by NEA to help open the door of the flat.

The body was in the kitchen, said Mr Tan, adding that he could not tell if it was a man or woman because the body had already fully decomposed into skeletal remains.

The windows of the unit were open and there “no smell at all”, he added

At the time of writing, investigations are currently ongoing by the police.