PMD Fire in Potong Pasir Leaves Man Hospitalized Amid Rising Safety Concerns

In a startling incident that has residents on edge, a man was hospitalized after a fire broke out in his Potong Pasir flat, allegedly ignited by a personal mobility device (PMD) on October 1. The blaze, which started in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) unit at Block 132 Potong Pasir Avenue 1, filled the apartment with smoke, forcing the occupant to seek immediate medical attention for inhalation injuries.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded swiftly to the emergency call around midday. Firefighters arrived to find the flames confined to the living room, where the PMD was charging. They extinguished the fire using a hose reel, preventing it from spreading further and minimizing damage to neighboring units. The man, believed to be in his 50s, was conscious when paramedics arrived but was taken to Tan Tock Seng Hospital as a precaution.

Personal mobility devices like e-scooters and hoverboards have become commonplace in Singapore's urban landscape, offering convenient short-distance travel. However, they've also been linked to a series of fire incidents in recent years, often due to faulty batteries or improper charging practices. Authorities have ramped up regulations, including bans on indoor charging and mandatory safety certifications, but events like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks in densely populated residential areas.

No other injuries were reported, and investigations into the exact cause are ongoing. The SCDF continues to urge PMD users to follow safety guidelines, such as charging devices in open, well-ventilated spaces and using only approved chargers. As Singapore pushes for greener mobility options, balancing innovation with safety remains a key challenge for both users and regulators.

Read the original article on The Straits Times for more details.