A routine afternoon of household chores turned into a frightening ordeal for a Tampines resident after her washing machine allegedly emitted smoke, caught fire and later “exploded” inside her flat.
The incident took place at Block 226 Tampines Street 23, in a four-room HDB unit on the fifth floor. According to reports, the fire broke out at around 1.30pm while the homeowner, identified as Lin (transliteration), was cooking in her kitchen.
She said the six-year-old washing machine, located near the kitchen area, suddenly began emitting smoke. Within moments, flames were visible from inside the appliance.
Smoke Filled Unit As Fire Intensified
Lin initially attempted to react quickly by switching off the power supply using a bamboo pole before unplugging the appliance. However, despite her efforts, the fire reportedly intensified.
Realising the danger, she evacuated the flat. Thick black smoke soon filled the unit, prompting neighbours to gather downstairs after noticing the commotion.
According to Lin, two loud “explosions” were heard shortly after she exited the kitchen. In the aftermath, the ceiling in the kitchen was left charred, shards of glass were scattered across the floor, and portions of the living room ceiling bore burn marks. Water was also seen inside the unit after firefighting efforts concluded.
Residents from the block stepped in to assist during the emergency. A 49-year-old man from the third floor rushed upstairs to help Lin. The pair attempted to contain the flames using buckets of water collected from the flat’s bathroom, but were forced to retreat as the fire grew stronger and visibility deteriorated.
SCDF Extinguishes Fire, No Injuries Reported
Among those who responded was a 24-year-old resident who had previously served as a firefighter during National Service. He retrieved a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the blaze.
Other neighbours also helped to evacuate a 90-year-old wheelchair-bound woman from her home, carrying her down the stairs and into the lift as a precaution.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed that it was alerted to the fire at about 1.45pm. The blaze involved a washing machine in the kitchen of the fifth-floor unit and was extinguished using a water jet.
No injuries were reported, and investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of household fire safety and appliance maintenance. Electrical fires can escalate rapidly, particularly in HDB flats where units are closely spaced. Authorities advise residents to avoid overloading power points, to regularly inspect appliances for faults, and to switch off electrical devices when not in use.
Prompt neighbourly action and swift emergency response helped prevent what could have been a far more serious outcome.
Top photos via Shin Min Daily News