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NSF fire fighter dies after falling unconscious while battling fire at a flat, Singapore
A 19-year-old fire fighter who was a full-time national serviceman (NSF) died on Thursday, 8 December 2022, after he fell unconscious while battling a blaze at a Henderson Road Housing Board flat in Singapore. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was called to the fire at 91 Henderson Road at about 11h10am. Upon arrival, the fire was raging inside a unit on the fourth floor and the corridor was heavily smoke-logged. SCDF fire fighters, donning breathing apparatus, entered and pushed through the smoke-logged unit with two water jets to engage the fire.
Sometime into the fire fighting operation, Full-time National Serviceman (NSF) fire fighter, SGT1 Edward H Go, fell unconscious in the kitchen area. His crew immediately brought him out of the unit and administered cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on him. An SCDF ambulance crew at the scene also used the automated external defibrillator on him and conveyed him to Singapore General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. “SCDF and his teammates are very saddened by his death and extend our deepest condolences to his family. The NSF firefighter was part of the first response crew for this fire incident, and was bravely carrying out his mission of protecting and saving lives and property. SCDF is providing assistance and support to the family during this difficult time. Investigations are ongoing,” said the SCDF. The Singapore Police Force said five other people aged between eight and 25 were sent to the hospital in connection with the fire. In a Facebook post at about 18h30, Member of Parliament for the area Joan Pereira said that some residents of the block had been allowed to return to their flats but others were still waiting as damping down operations continued. She added that authorities will assist the affected households, including by providing them with temporary shelter if needed. On Facebook, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam wrote that his ministry will assist the victim's family during this difficult time. "Home Team officers work tirelessly and bravely every day to keep our homes and Singaporeans safe. We do our best to protect our officers but the nature of the work means that there will always be risks," he said, adding, "My deepest condolences to his family." Ceremonial funeral The Ceremonial Funeral for SGT1 Edward H Go was held on 13 December 2022 afternoon. “It was a solemn and moving ceremony befitting for our courageous fire fighter, SGT1 Edward, who gave his life in service to the nation. A Light Fire Attack Vehicle led the funeral procession with the carriage bearing the casket of SGT1 Edward. The funeral procession was supported by the Singapore Police Force Band. Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State (MOS) for the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development and more than 250 SCDF officers were in attendance, paying tribute to SGT1 Edward.” The pallbearing and escort party, formed by fire fighters from Central Fire Station, included regular officers and Full-time National Servicemen who responded to the fire incident with the late SGT1 Edward. Wreaths were laid by COMR Eric Yap, Commissioner SCDF, COL Firoz Ramjan, Commander 1st SCDF Division and MAJ Joe Ong, Commander Central Fire Station. COMR Eric Yap also presented the state flag to Mr Daniel C Go and Mrs Helen Go, parents of the late SGT1 Edward. At the end of the ceremony, The Last Post bugle call was sounded to signify the end of the late SGT1 Edward's duty to the nation. “SCDF will always remember SGT1 Edward H Go and keep him in our hearts. We will continue serving Singaporeans with pride and dedication, as SGT1 Edward did and in doing so, honour his memory.” Source: Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) |
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