A fire broke out at a wake in Bedok Reservoir moments after a 90-year-old man’s coffin was sent off for cremation, reducing the funeral tent to ashes.
The incident occurred at about 2.20pm on April 16 at the void deck of Block 617 Bedok Reservoir Road.
According to Shin Min Daily News, flames and thick smoke were seen billowing from the wake at the time of the incident, with the ground floor and units on the second floor blackened by soot.
When Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene, the fire had already been extinguished. The blaze had started at the rear of the wake, where the coffin had previously been placed.
The metal framework of the tent was charred, while lighting fixtures and electrical wiring had fallen loose.
Items near the coffin — including a fan, plastic grass flooring, cloths, and metal supports — were destroyed, leaving the area in disarray. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers were seen entering and exiting the site to take photographs and conduct investigations.
Fire started after coffin departs
Mr Xie (transliterated), the deceased’s son, said the funeral concluded in the afternoon of April 16. At about 1pm, family members escorted the coffin to Mandai Crematorium.
