The fatal Bedok fire claimed the lives of three people; A 35-year-old man, a 3-year-old toddler and a 56-year-old former film producer and actress.
It was previously reported that the 56-year-old woman was the owner of the flat while a family of three from Malaysia had rented a room from her.
Turns out, the toddler girl was reportedly not staying permanently here but was on a family trip to Singapore instead.
3YO Victim in Bedok HDB Fire Was a M’sian Who Was in S’pore for a Family Trip
According to Lianhe Zaobao, the toddler was under the care of her grandparents in Pahang, Malaysia.
Her parents had visited her in Malaysia on Mother’s Day and decided to bring her with them to Singapore for a family trip.
Unfortunately, the toddler and her father, Chen Shunqiang, met with a tragic end on 13 May 2022.
Meanwhile, the toddler’s mother was sent to Changi General. She was initially in critical condition, but her condition stabilised on 16 May. She is still unconscious and going through treatment.
Father Was An “Easy-Going” Man
According to Mr Chen’s classmates who grew up in the same village as him, he was a quiet and easy-going man who enjoys reading comics.
His classmates were shocked at the news as it’s only been “three days” since the family arrived in Singapore for their vacation.
Mr Chen’s body will likely be cremated in Singapore, and his ashes transported back to his hometown.
Investigations Are Ongoing
On 19 May, the police announced that they’re taking the next step in the ongoing investigations.
In particular, the police have identified a man who also lived in the three-room Housing Development Board (HDB) flat that caught on fire.
Even though the police did not explicitly disclose his identity, the man is apparently Aileen Chan’s boyfriend according to Lianhe Zaobao. He lived together in the same unit as his girlfriend for ten years.
He was the first person to leave the unit that day in the early hours of the morning, and hence was not present at home when the fire, which took place at Block 409 Bedok North Avenue 2, broke out.
He has since been brought to the police station for further interrogation in order to allow the police to have a better understanding of what could have caused the fire.
Investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.
Feature Image: Facebook (SCDF)