SINGAPORE – One person was taken to the hospital, and about 50 people were evacuated after a fire broke out in a Housing Board flat in Tanjong Pagar on Friday afternoon.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at Block 4 Tanjong Pagar Plaza at about 2.15pm.

A video posted on Instagram showed thick black smoke emanating from the unit as onlookers gathered at the open-air carpark. Meanwhile, SCDF firefighters could be seen making their way into the unit.

The fire involved the contents of a bedroom in a fifth-floor unit, and was extinguished by a water jet, said the SCDF. A resident from a neighbouring unit was taken to Singapore General Hospital.

Early investigations indicate that the fire was likely to be of electrical origin, with the SCDF reminding the public to adopt good practices to prevent electrical fires.

These include switching off appliances when not in use, checking for frayed wires and cracked cords, as well as keeping wires away from hot surfaces.

The SCDF also urged the public not to overload electrical outlets with appliances, and to avoid running wires under carpets or mats, with appliances and electrical plugs bearing the Safety Mark being recommended. The categories of appliances can be found at www.consumerproductsafety.gov.sg.