A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer was sentenced to six months’ jail on 15 January 2025 for his role in the death of full-time national serviceman (NSF) Edward H Go.
The 19-year-old firefighter died from suffocation while fighting a flat fire at Block 91, Henderson Road on 8 December 2022. He was the first firefighter to lose his life during an SCDF operation.
Warrant Officer 2 Muhammad Kamil Mohamed Yasin, 39, pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt through a rash act that endangered life.
Kamil, who was the ground commander during the operation, violated SCDF safety protocols by leaving SGT1 Go to fight the fire alone without informing other officers.
Prosecutors highlighted that SCDF doctrines require firefighters to operate in pairs due to the dangers involved.
Incident overview
On the morning of the fire, SCDF dispatched firefighting teams from multiple stations, including Central Fire Station, where Kamil and SGT1 Go were assigned. Upon arrival, Kamil assumed command.
While battling the blaze, Kamil and another firefighter withdrew due to exhaustion, leaving SGT1 Go to fight the fire solo. Kamil failed to notify his colleagues of SGT1 Go’s status.
SGT1 Go was later found unconscious in the flat’s kitchen. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 2.15pm. An investigation revealed that the firefighter’s air cylinder had been depleted, causing suffocation.
Legal arguments and sentencing
The prosecution sought at least six months’ imprisonment, citing Kamil’s breach of safety protocols and failure to supervise SGT1 Go.
Defence lawyer Ramesh Tiwary argued that Kamil’s actions were mistakes made under pressure in a challenging environment, noting his remorse and cooperation with investigations.
District Judge Shawn Ho considered the “dynamic and evolving” nature of the situation but underscored Kamil’s seniority and awareness of SCDF’s doctrines.
He noted that Kamil’s decision to leave SGT1 Go alone and failure to return after recovering contributed significantly to the NSF’s death.
For his offence, Kamil faced a maximum sentence of four years’ jail or a fine of S$10,000.
SCDF response and reforms
SCDF suspended Kamil without pay following the sentencing and announced disciplinary proceedings that could result in his dismissal. A second officer, who was referred for departmental action, remains under review.
In response to the incident, SCDF enhanced its protocols, including mandatory supervision of firefighters’ equipment and deployment, even during smaller fires. The force conducted a review of over 260 operations from 2021 to 2022, introducing additional safety measures to minimise lapses.
SGT1 Go was posthumously promoted to Sergeant and given a ceremonial funeral on 13 December 2022.
Following his death, SCDF committed to reviewing ground commander training to ensure operational safety.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim announced in February 2023 that a Board of Inquiry would be convened after the coroner’s findings.
He also shared how the firefighters were delayed by 18 minutes after firefighting vehicles were blocked by a tent.
Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam then shared how the Tanjong Pagar Town Council has taken action against the funeral company that erected a wake tent on a service road when asked by Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Dennis Tan.
Judge Ho extended his condolences to SGT1 Go’s family, acknowledging his bravery and sacrifice in service to the nation.