SINGAPORE - A fire broke out at a flat in Aljunied, with a charred body found in a bedroom there after the flames were put out, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) told The Straits Times on Monday (Dec 4).

SCDF responded to a fire on the ninth floor at Block 99, Aljunied Crescent, at 2.17pm on Monday.

As the door was locked, SCDF conducted forced entry through the main door, while also gaining access into the burning bedroom through a window along the corridor.

The window panes of the bedroom had been shattered before SCDF arrived.

The fire, which involved the contents of a bedroom, was extinguished with a water jet, SCDF said. A charred body was found inside.

ST understands that a cooking gas cylinder was found in the bedroom, and that neighbours said they heard a loud explosion before they detected the fire.

Residents in levels nine to 12 of the block were evacuated due to the fire.

The police said they received a call for assistance at 2.16pm.