Two people found dead in Punggol HDB flat; case classified as unnatural death
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two people, a 71-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman, were known to each other, said the police.
by Charmaine Jacob · CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
SINGAPORE: The police are investigating a case of unnatural death after two elderly people were found dead in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Punggol.
In response to a CNA query, the police said they were alerted to the case at Block 408B Northshore Drive at about 6.25am on Friday (Feb 27).
"Upon arrival, officers found a man and a woman lying motionless in a residential unit," said the police.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) told CNA it received a call for assistance at about 6.30am from the same location. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene by an SCDF paramedic.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the 71-year-old man and 66-year-old woman were known to each other, said the police.
"The case has been classified as an unnatural death, and police investigations are ongoing," they added.
"IT CANNOT BE"
When CNA arrived at the scene at about 2pm, three police officers were standing outside the unit, which was cordoned off.
The flat's gate was open, and Chinese New Year decorations could be seen displayed around its entrance.
About 10 minutes later, a man who identified himself as the pair's godson arrived at the unit before being escorted downstairs by two officers.
The man, who declined to be identified, told the media that he had read news about the deaths and recognised the block number. He said he thought to himself: "It cannot be."
He held back tears as he spoke in Mandarin, saying he was still unable to enter the flat to see them.
When asked about their relationship, the man said they would often go out for meals together, and that he had seen them during the Chinese New Year period.
He said the pair had two children, a son and a daughter.
"A VERY PLEASANT COUPLE"
Mr Mike Liew, a neighbour who lives three doors down from the unit, said the man and woman were husband and wife.
He said he was "totally surprised" by the news and that it "came as a shock".
"They're a very pleasant couple. The wife gave us presents over Chinese New Year, and even gave my helper a red packet," said the 73-year-old retiree.
He added that he saw the man and woman at Northshore Plaza multiple times walking around together.
"They looked happy together. If things weren't good and they're not happy, they wouldn't go out of the house."
Mr Liew said the corridor outside the couple's unit had previously been filled with more than 20 potted plants, which the husband tended to diligently and was often seen watering.
However, the plants were removed before Chinese New Year.
On Friday, CNA saw just one potted plant outside the unit.
A neighbour on the 11th floor, who only wanted to be known as Mr Tay, said that he had a "hi-bye" relationship with the couple.
"They're very friendly, there were no issues or (anything) unusual," he said.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app