SCDF rescues man, 42, from 8th floor of Bukit Panjang block air-con ledge

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) rescued a man, 42, standing on the eighth-floor air-con ledge of a public housing block in Bukit Panjang.

According to Shin Min Daily News, the man was seen on the air-conditioner compressor ledge outside the kitchen window and had partially gone over the railing at one point.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they received a call for assistance at Block 635B Senja Road at around 9am on Oct. 4.

A safety life air pack was deployed as a precautionary measure.

Rescuers from the Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) rappelled from the unit above and brought the person to safety.

SCDF subsequently conveyed the person to Woodlands Hospital.

The police said the Crisis Negotiation Unit responded to the incident.

He was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008.

What happened

A Shin Min reporter arrived at the scene at around 10:10am and saw the rescued man being brought to an ambulance in a dazed state.

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told Shin Min that a commotion was heard from the unit that morning.

Occasional sounds of arguing was apparently heard coming from inside the unit, the neighbour said.

A woman, who answered the door when a Shin Min reporter subsequently visited the home, declined to be interviewed.

Swaying precariously

According to a video provided by a witness, the man, dressed in a blue shirt and black shorts, was seen standing on the ledge and had one of his feet over the railing, Shin Min reported.

The witness told Shin Min that SCDF personnel were seen operating between the seventh and ninth floors.

The video also reportedly showed a large number of SCDF personnel gathered downstairs, with some deploying the air pack.

Another group of officers was seen rushing upstairs, apparently preparing to deploy rescue nets.

In another video, the man was later seen standing on top of an air-conditioning compressor and swaying precariously, Shin Min reported.

Rescue

According to Shin Min, SCDF officers mounted their rescue just as the man appeared distracted.

One team deployed nets from the upper floors, while an SCDF officer rushed out through an eighth-floor window to restrain the man.

At the same time, three other rescuers reportedly rappelled down from above to provide support.

During the rescue, the man could be heard shouting and struggling as the officers worked to restrain him, Shin Min reported.

Many residents and members of the public who had gathered at the foot of the block cheered upon the successful rescue.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

National mindline.sg Hotline: 1771 (24 hours)

National mindline.sg WhatsApp: 66691771 (24 hours)

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019