2 construction workers used scaffolding & ladder to rescue children from River Valley shophouse fire

The fire at 278 River Valley Road on Apr. 8 claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl and saw 22 people taken to the hospital.

A video of the accident showed several people, including children, sitting on the third-floor ledge just below the windows.

Several people were also seen standing on a scaffolding with two people in high-visibility vests reaching out to help the people on the ledge.

A subsequent post by local community initiative, It's Raining Raincoats, revealed that migrant workers were involved in the rescue of those trapped in the building on fire.

Upon seeing the fire, they brought ladders and scaffolding to help evacuate the children.

Two of the men involved in the rescue, Shakil Mohammad and Ramesh Kumar spoke to Mediacorp in videos posted to 8world and CNA about their actions during the emergency.

Many helped

They were both near the shophouse working at around 9am when they saw the smoke from the fire, Shakil shared.

They used scaffolding and a step ladder so they could climb up and reach the kids on top.

Other than the two of them, there were many others who were there to help, they shared.

Shakil told The Straits Times that he was the second person on the ladder, with another worker passing the people to him.

“The fire was so hot. But I die, no problem, I just needed to save the children.”

A Mothership reader also shared that some members of the public used a water hose at the back of the shophouse to help put out the fire.

Will be commended for efforts

Those who assisted in the evacuation efforts will be recognised for their actions.

A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) spokesperson shared with Mothership that SCDF has reached out to the people who assisted to commend them for their "quick-thinking and prompt efforts".

They will be presented the SCDF Community Lifesaver Award, the spokesperson added.

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Top photos from 8world and Bae Bay/Facebook