{"id":83926,"date":"2026-09-11T00:31:58","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T16:31:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=83926"},"modified":"2026-09-11T00:31:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T16:31:58","slug":"sembawang-hdb-fire-woman-sets-fire-to-unit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=83926","title":{"rendered":"Sembawang HDB fire: Woman sets fire to unit"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A woman who reportedly developed hallucinations after breaking up with her boyfriend believed she was trapped inside her flat and attempted to escape by setting fire to paper in the unit.<\/p>\n

The fire broke out at around 5.15pm on June 30 at a 10th-floor unit at Block 512 Wellington Circle in Sembawang.<\/p>\n

The offender, 46-year-old Jasmine Helena, admitted to one charge of intentionally setting fire to the property on Sept 9, and was sentenced to five months\u2019 jail.<\/p>\n

Convinced that boyfriend trapped her inside home after breakup<\/h2>\n

According to Shin Min Daily News<\/a>, investigations revealed that Helena had broken up with her boyfriend on the day of the incident. At around 5pm, she became convinced that her ex-boyfriend had trapped her inside her home.<\/p>\n

In an interview with an investigation officer, Helena also alleged that she had been locked in the unit for weeks without food, but had not sought help from anyone during that time.<\/p>\n

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She then used a lighter to set fire to six pieces of paper and threw it into the bedroom, allegedly attempting to create an \u201cescape route\u201d.<\/p>\n

However, the blaze spread quickly, damaging her home and the windows of a neighbouring unit.<\/p>\n

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers later arrived and extinguished<\/a> the blaze, evacuating about 30 residents in the process.<\/p>\n

Police reportedly received as many as 34 calls related to the fire that day.<\/p>\n

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) subsequently spent more than $10,000 on repairs, while Helena has yet to make any compensation.<\/p>\n

Arrested on day of incident<\/h2>\n

Helena, who is a known patient of the Institute of Mental Health, was arrested on the day of the incident and has been placed on remand since.<\/p>\n

The prosecution noted that the Helena had previous convictions for theft and property-related offences, but no previous convictions for arson.<\/p>\n

However, her latest offence had serious consequences, with repair costs exceeding $10,000 and no compensation having been made. The incident also caused public alarm and inconvenience.<\/p>\n

In view of her early plea of guilt, the prosecution requested a jail sentence of five to six months.<\/p>\n

Flat filled with clutter<\/h2>\n

In a July 2 report by Shin Min<\/a>, a visit to the scene found the living room of the affected unit filled with bags of clutter, leaving little room to move around.<\/p>\n

Reporters from the Chinese daily later spoke to three neighbours who had helped with the rescue, including 29-year-old delivery rider Isziandy, who lives on the 10th floor.<\/p>\n

At the time of the incident, Isziandy was resting at home when he noticed a burning smell and peered out of his kitchen window. He then discovered flames engulfing the neighbouring unit.<\/p>\n

Having previously worked as a firefighter, he immediately recognised the severity of the situation.<\/p>\n

When he reached the unit, he found that the metal gate had been locked. Helena, who was still inside, appeared to be unaware of the urgency of the situation.<\/p>\n

Working together with fellow neighbours, the group managed to rescue Helena from the flat.<\/p>\n

Some handled the hose, while others used a hammer to break the lock. Another neighbour attempted to put out the flames.<\/p>\n

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