10-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) A fire ignited by a portable air conditioner at the Singapore Institute of Management’s (SIM) campus on Thursday (Aug 10) led to the evacuation of students and faculty members from two buildings, resulting in the disruption of classes and examinations.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was swiftly alerted to the fire at SIM’s premises located at 461 Clementi Road around 9.10am. Fortunately, the sprinkler system managed to douse the flames before SCDF’s arrival, effectively preventing further escalation.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The exact cause of the fire remains subject to ongoing investigation.
Sources indicate that the fire originated within the AV room situated in the basement of SIM’s Global Education Block B building. As of 11am, students congregated in the lobby of SIM’s Block A campus. Many recounted their experience of being evacuated and noted that classes were cancelled for the remainder of the day.
Shanna Goh, a 23-year-old Business Administration student, recounted her encounter during the incident. She disclosed that she was in the midst of a psychology module examination within the Block B building when the fire alarm abruptly blared.
“At approximately 9.20 to 9.30am, a fire alarm sounded. Given our focus on the exam, panic was not a prevalent reaction,” Goh stated. “Around five minutes later, an announcement informed us of an ongoing investigation. While urging us not to panic, it stressed that this was not a drill.”
Subsequent announcements guided faculty staff and students to the atrium near the school’s entrance, culminating in a safe evacuation.
