1972 Robinsons fire: 8 victims died after being trapped in lifts that did not have backup power

Fire spewing fiercely from the upper windows of Robinson's department store at the height of the blaze at Raffles Place, on November 21, 1972. PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – Fireman Tan Jin Thong, then 33, was in the heavily smoke-logged basement of the Robinsons department store late in the morning when he heard cries for help coming from two lift shafts.

He and several firefighters entered the building’s basement to mount a rescue bid.

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