14-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) A 19-year-old firefighter, SGT1 Go, tragically lost his life during a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) operation. Following the incident, the police conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the police, SGT1 Go’s superior, an SCDF officer, allegedly left him alone in the housing unit to battle the ongoing fire without informing anyone. This action was contrary to SCDF’s firefighting doctrine. The police confirmed that SGT1 Go’s cause of death was “suffocation due to depleted air cylinder” according to the autopsy findings. They stated that the investigation did not uncover any evidence of equipment failure contributing to his death.
In consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the police will be charging the SCDF officer with causing grievous hurt by a rash act that endangers the life or personal safety of others. If convicted, the officer could face a maximum sentence of four years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,300), or both.
The SCDF is also investigating another officer who allegedly failed to ensure the overall safety of the firefighting operation when he arrived and assumed command and control of the incident. Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim stated in parliament that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) would be convened to examine the case.
Assoc Prof Faishal clarified that the BOI would be held after the coroner’s findings were established. It would consider the police and coroner’s findings as part of its assessment. In February, Assoc Prof Faishal disclosed that an 18-minute delay in the firefighters’ response to the blaze occurred because a fire engine accessway leading to the Henderson Road block was obstructed by a funeral wake tent.
SGT1 Go had shown exceptional dedication, having attended nearly 60 fire and rescue calls since his posting to Central Fire Station in May of the previous year. His performance as a trainee ranked among the top 25 percent of his cohort, highlighting his commitment to his duties.
