Workers rushed in with scaffolding to save those trapped, including children crying for help

Four migrant workers have been honoured by Singapore authorities for their heroic rescue efforts during the tragic River Valley shophouse fire on April 8, which claimed one life and left 21 injured.

The fire, which broke out at 278 River Valley Road, caused chaos and panic, especially as people were trapped on the upper floors of the burning shophouse. A group of migrant workers, who were working nearby, stepped up without hesitation and rushed to the scene, helping to rescue several individuals, including children, from the third-storey window ledge.

Workers Honoured by MOM’s ACE Group

On April 9, the Ministry of Manpower’s Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) group presented “Friends of ACE” coins to Inderjit Singh, Subramanian Saranraj, Nagarajan Anbarasan, and Sivasami Vijayaraj in recognition of their bravery and quick thinking. The ACE group posted on Facebook:

“Their quick thinking and bravery made all the difference… Thank you for reminding us of the power of community in times of need.”

According to the ACE group, the four men had quickly carried scaffolding across the road, set it up in front of the burning shophouse, and stabilised it as children and adults were carefully helped down.

Migrant Worker’s Account of the Rescue

Subramanian Saranraj, a supervisor among the group, recalled the moment he saw the children’s terrified faces.

“I have two children at home. When I saw the children’s faces and crying, I just thought, ‘We need to help,’” he shared.

Their swift actions drew widespread praise online, with many netizens calling for formal recognition of their courage. Some commenters identified the workers as employees of Globalpoint Far East, though confirmation from the company is pending.

SCDF to Present Additional Awards

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) also announced that it would be awarding the Community Lifesaver Award to those involved in the rescue. The formal acknowledgment highlights the importance of community action in emergency situations.

Fire Safety Breaches Discovered

In a separate update, SCDF revealed that preliminary investigations showed the fire likely originated from a storage area on the second floor of the shophouse. Unauthorized partitions and other fire safety breaches were discovered on-site.

Those responsible may face up to S$200,000 in fines, 24 months’ imprisonment, or both. The final cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This incident not only underscores the selflessness of migrant workers in Singapore but also the importance of proper fire safety compliance. The River Valley fire has sparked conversations about community solidarity and the urgent need for regulatory enforcement to prevent such tragedies.

Sources: Asia One (2025), Mothership (2025)

Keywords: River Valley Fire, Migrant Workers Rescue, Children Saved From Fire, Fire Safety Violation, Heroic Act Singapore