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https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...gn=stfb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
SINGAPORE - During a maintenance check in October 2019, a technician failed to ensure that a water pump could readily supply water to hose reels in case of a fire at a housing block in Bukit Batok.
His negligence led to a delay in the rescue effort after a blaze broke out within a month, on Nov 1, 2019, as no water could be dispensed from the reels.
Firefighters scrambled to use their own water jets instead. The incident led to the death of a resident, while two others were hospitalised.
During investigations, the technician, Malaiyappan Mayalagu, 51, sneaked into the pump room to reset the water pump to auto mode to hide his mistake.
On Friday, Malaiyappan, who is from India, was fined $2,700 after he pleaded guilty to endangering human life by a negligent act and tampering with evidence.
The court heard that he worked as a technician with J. Keart Alliances, a firm that was engaged by Jurong-Clementi Town Council to do fire protection system work.
His role included conducting monthly water pump checks at the rooftop of Block 210A Bukit Batok Street 21......
