A 22-year-old man, Putra Nur Iman Muhammad Danial Zhang, was sentenced to seven months’ jail on Wednesday (Jan 28) for causing a fatal fire by using an incompatible charger on a personal mobility device (PMD) battery. The fire, which occurred in a New Upper Changi Road flat, resulted in the death of a 26-year-old woman, Ms Nuratiqah Zahari.
The Case and the Sentence
Putra pleaded guilty to one charge of causing death by a negligent act. The court heard that Putra, who was 18 at the time of the offense, purchased the PMD, battery, and charger from separate sources without verifying their compatibility. The judge imposed a sentence longer than that requested by the prosecution, citing the “devastating consequences” of Putra’s negligence and his “complete disregard” for the safety of others.
The incident unfolded on March 9, 2022, after Putra connected the incompatible charger to the battery in the living room of the three-room HDB flat, which he shared with relatives. The charger was connected to an extension socket already in use by other devices. While Putra was using his phone in another room, the battery caught fire, quickly spreading to nearby furniture.
Impact and Aftermath
The fire trapped Putra, his uncle, and his uncle’s fiancée, who ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Firefighters rescued all three, but Ms. Zahari could not be revived. Putra’s uncle was hospitalized for 10 days with inhalational injuries, and Putra himself suffered severe injuries and was later diagnosed with acute stress reaction and panic attacks. The family was displaced for eight months while repairs, costing approximately S$22,000 plus S$8,000 in grants, were completed to their unit. Damage to the common area required an additional S$2,700 in repairs funded by the HDB.
Investigations revealed the e-scooter had been modified and the charger was not registered with Enterprise Singapore, lacking the required safety mark. The charger was designed for batteries with a different voltage than the one being used, leading to thermal runaway and the subsequent fire.
Looking Ahead
It is possible that this case could lead to increased scrutiny of PMD safety regulations and enforcement. Authorities may consider stricter requirements for the sale and use of PMD batteries and chargers. Further public awareness campaigns regarding safe charging practices could also be implemented. It is also likely that similar cases involving PMD-related fires will be viewed with increased severity by the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire?
The fire was caused by Putra using a charger that was incompatible with the battery of his personal mobility device, leading to thermal runaway and ignition.
What was the extent of the damage?
The fire resulted in one fatality, injuries to three individuals, and approximately S$32,700 in damages to the flat and common areas.
How old was Putra when the offense occurred?
Putra was 18 years old at the time of the offense.
Given the potential dangers associated with improperly maintained or charged PMDs, what steps can individuals take to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them?
