Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim on challenges fighting Henderson flat fire which resulted in death of NSF firefighter

During the firefighting operation on Dec 8 last year, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers found the fire engine access way leading to Block 91 Henderson Road obstructed by a tent where a funeral wake was being held. They removed the bollards that were padlocked to the ground near the tentage to create an access path. This delayed their arrival by 18 minutes. A total of 22 emergency vehicles and 61 responders from six fire stations were deployed. About 40 per cent of the responders were National Servicemen (NSF). The majority were regular officers. Police are currently conducting an independent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of SGT1 Edward Go, who fell unconscious while battling the flat fire. Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim gave this update in reply to an MP's question in Parliament on Monday (Jan 9). He said at this stage, it is premature to determine the factors which contributed to the death of SGT1 Go. He said the Coroner will consider the police investigation findings in determining the cause of death. He added that SCDF will seek to understand what had happened, including if standard operating procedures and protocols had been followed, as well as how these may need to be tightened to keep officers as safe as possible when they serve the nation.