Man Arrested for Arson After Fire Engulfs Joo Seng Road HDB Flat, 10 Hospitalised

Key facts

• Fire broke out at Block 14 Joo Seng Road, Potong Pasir, on May 4 at about 9:40pm.
• Eight people were taken to Singapore General Hospital for smoke inhalation.
• Two firefighters felt unwell during operations and were hospitalised as a precaution.
• A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene for mischief by fire.
• SCDF preliminary findings indicate the fire could have been intentionally started.
• The fire engulfed the entire 18th-floor unit and was extinguished with two water jets.
• Three people evacuated themselves before SCDF arrived.
• Potong Pasir MP Alex Yeo confirmed the entire block was evacuated and all residents are safe.

Blaze Erupts in Potong Pasir HDB Block

A fire that raged through an 18th-floor unit at Block 14 Joo Seng Road on Monday night has left 10 people hospitalised and led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man on suspicion of arson. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire, which engulfed the entire flat, could have been intentionally started. The SCDF and Singapore Police Force were alerted to the blaze at about 9:40pm. Upon arrival, firefighters found flames raging inside the unit and deployed two water jets to bring the fire under control. Three occupants had already evacuated themselves before emergency services reached the scene.

Eight Residents, Two Firefighters Taken to Hospital

Eight people from the affected block were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital. In addition, two firefighters who felt unwell during the firefighting operation were also conveyed to the same hospital as a precautionary measure, the SCDF said in a Facebook post. The SCDF did not disclose the current condition of the hospitalised individuals, but the agency confirmed that all 10 were receiving medical attention. The fire was fully extinguished with no further casualties reported.

Suspect Arrested for Mischief by Fire

A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene for mischief by fire, the police confirmed in response to media queries. The suspect’s identity has not been released, and police investigations are ongoing. The arrest came as SCDF’s preliminary findings suggested the fire could have been intentionally started. The authorities have not provided further details on the circumstances leading to the arrest or the possible motive.

Entire Block Evacuated, Temporary Housing Arranged

Potong Pasir Member of Parliament Alex Yeo said in a Facebook post that the SCDF evacuated the entire block of residents as a safety measure. He assured the public that all affected residents are safe and expressed gratitude to the HDB team that inspected the building for structural integrity. Temporary housing arrangements have been made for displaced residents, Yeo added. The HDB team’s assessment of the building’s structural condition is ongoing, but no immediate hazards have been reported.

Investigations Underway as Community Recovers

The police and SCDF are continuing their investigations into the cause of the fire. on the blaze, but the preliminary finding of intentional ignition has raised concerns among residents. Local authorities have not indicated whether the suspect will face additional charges. The incident has prompted renewed attention to fire safety in high-rise residential buildings, though no policy changes have been announced.

The bottom line

• A 44-year-old man was arrested for mischief by fire after a blaze at Block 14 Joo Seng Road.
• Ten people were hospitalised, including eight residents with smoke inhalation and two firefighters.
• SCDF preliminary findings suggest the fire was intentionally started.
• The entire HDB block was evacuated, and temporary housing was provided for affected residents.
• Police investigations are ongoing, with no further details on motive or charges released.