NSF firefighter dies after falling unconscious while battling blaze at Henderson Road flat

SINGAPORE: A firefighter who is a full-time national serviceman (NSF) died on Thursday (Dec 8) after he fell unconscious while battling a blaze at a Henderson Road flat.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was called to the fire at 91 Henderson Road at about 11.10am.

A fourth-floor Housing Board flat was on fire and smoke filled the corridor.  

SCDF said its firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, entered and pushed through the smoke-logged unit with two water jets.

During the firefighting operation, the full-time NSF fell unconscious in the kitchen area. He was immediately taken out of the unit and given cardiopulmonary resuscitation, said SCDF.

An ambulance crew at the scene also used an automated external defibrillator on him and took him to Singapore General Hospital.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital, said SCDF. 

"SCDF and his teammates are very saddened by his death, and extend our deepest condolences to his family," said the agency.

"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 said it is providing assistance and support to his family, adding that investigations are ongoing.