A 65-year-old man was discovered dead in his rental unit at Block 3 Telok Blangah Crescent after failing to turn up for work, prompting a visit from someone believed to be his employer. The man, a cleaner by occupation, lived alone and had reportedly not been seen by neighbours for several days.
Authorities were alerted around noon on July 22, and police arrived at the 10th-floor flat shortly thereafter. Eyewitnesses reported a strong foul smell along the corridor, which had drawn concern from residents prior to the discovery.
Neighbours Alarmed by Foul Stench
According to Shin Min Daily News, the scene drew multiple police officers and vehicles. Mr Chua, 72, a neighbour living on the same floor, shared that he had seen officers entering and exiting the flat. Only later did he realise that his neighbour had passed away.
At approximately 6pm, officers removed the body from the premises. Neighbours told reporters that a faint but noticeable stench had begun to fill the corridor the day before, intensifying over time. A 70-year-old woman who lives in the unit directly above mentioned the odour became so overpowering she had to shut her windows.
Another resident, Mr Hong, 68, who resides opposite the deceased’s flat, recalled that someone had come knocking on the man’s door hours before his body was found. Believed to be the employer, the individual had asked about the cleaner’s whereabouts. Mr Hong said he hadn’t seen the man for about two to three days and had also begun to notice an unusual smell that morning.
Lived Alone After Sister’s Passing
Neighbours described the man as quiet and reclusive. He reportedly kept to himself, was often seen drinking beer alone, and rarely interacted with others in the block. Mr Hong, a long-time resident of over five decades, explained that the deceased had lived with his sister after their father passed away. The sister had died about two years ago, and the man had been living alone since.
Some neighbours mentioned they had occasionally seen visitors at the flat in the past, but these visits seemed to have become rare in recent years.
Residents in the block expressed sorrow over the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by elderly individuals living alone. This incident sheds light on the growing concerns around elder isolation and the importance of community vigilance.
Singapore’s Growing Concern with Elder Isolation
Cases like this are becoming increasingly common in urban areas like Singapore, where elderly residents sometimes outlive their family and end up living in solitude. The foul odour detected in this case, a tell-tale sign in many unattended deaths, often serves as the first indicator of tragedy in such situations.
This incident underscores the need for stronger social support systems and community-based welfare checks, especially for seniors who live alone. With Singapore’s ageing population, more must be done to ensure the elderly are not forgotten or left to suffer unnoticed.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News, Google Maps