Rising Concerns Over Recent Spate of Fatal Falls from HDB Blocks in Singapore
Numerous seemingly-suicidal cases involving falls from great heights have been making headlines throughout the year.
In May, headlines featured a tragic incident where a 19-year-old was found dead, having fallen from a Dawson Road HDB block in Queenstown.
September witnessed another distressing event when a man reportedly fell from the 11th floor of a Toa Payoh HDB block, his fall being abruptly stopped by a clothes rack at the building’s base.
In October, the sombre news reported the loss of a construction worker who tragically plummeted 10 storeys to the ground at a BTO worksite in Sembawang.
November brought a heart-wrenching story of a mother-daughter pair falling from an HDB block in Eunos on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
Most recently, on 3 Dec, a 34-year-old woman and her 3-week-old infant were discovered deceased at the foot of a Ghim Moh HDB flat.
Earlier that day, the woman and her newborn tragically jumped off the HDB flat at Block 29, Ghim Moh.
Their bodies were found by a 40-year-old passerby, Mr Chen, around 11.15am, lying near the drains connecting the foot of the HDB flat to adjacent grass patches.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Initial police investigations, as reported by The Straits Times, do not suggest any foul play.
Following the arrival of the police, two blue tents were erected to cover the bodies, and several officers were seen at the site.
Witnesses observed several individuals, believed to be relatives of the deceased, seated nearby, their expressions solemn and grief-stricken, some covering their faces and weeping, as noted by Lianhe Zaobao.
It is believed that the mother-son duo resided in one of the upper floors of the HDB flat.
Their position suggests they may have jumped from the corridor of their residence.
By around 2pm, the bodies were respectfully moved from the scene.
A woman, thought to be a relative of the deceased, returned to the HDB flat but declined to be interviewed, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
The ongoing investigation continues to seek answers.
In light of this tragedy, the community’s concern has turned to the increasing prevalence of such incidents, particularly this year.
This case bears a striking resemblance to the Eunos incident that occurred less than a month ago.
Notably, the deceased infant was still in a diaper.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, the potential role of postnatal depression has come to the forefront of public concern.
Health Hub highlights that many women do not recognsze the symptoms of postnatal depression, as it often develops gradually.
Tragically, by the time many are diagnosed, it can be too late. This condition is relatively common, affecting one in 10 new mothers.
Postnatal depression is distinct from the baby blues; it is more severe, requires a longer time to heal, and necessitates professional intervention for recovery.
Additionally, women with postnatal depression may perceive themselves as weak or abnormal.
Those with a history of psychiatric illness, depression during pregnancy, limited support, financial stress, or strained marital relationships are particularly vulnerable.
Furthermore, depression during pregnancy is even more prevalent, affecting one in five expectant mothers in Singapore.
Among them, one in five exhibits severe antenatal depression symptoms that impair functioning, and approximately one in 10 will suffer from clinical depression requiring focused medical attention.
It is imperative to offer support and love and to seek help promptly when such symptoms are observed.