Following the incident of a washing machine which caught fire in a Housing Development Board flat in Bukit Panjang, Samsung Singapore has said that moisture from the bathroom was the likely cause of the fire.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday (Nov 16), the South Korean electronics manufacturer said that it had completed the investigation into the case.
“The cause of the incident is likely due to moisture from the bathroom where the washing machine was placed, which may have resulted in a electrical short circuit to the washing machine,” the statement read.
On Nov 9, the washing machine caught fire at a unit in Block 469, Segar Road. One of the flat occupants, a 42-year-old woman, had finished doing her laundry with a Samsung washing machine in the kitchen toilet.
According to reports, she left the washer but returned after about 10 minutes as she smelt smoke and discovered that the machine was in flames. She then fled the house with her 16-year-old daughter.
Earlier this month, Samsung recalled close to 2.8 million washing machines in the United States after reports surfaced that the top of the machine can become detached during use.
Samsung Singapore reminded consumers of some of the safety recommendations for washing machine use in its statement.
Tips include not installing the washing machine in an area exposed to moisture, or in an area which may be prone to water leaks and allowing the machine to dry on its own in the event of a water leak.
The company also advised consumers not to operate the washing machine if the power supply cord is wet and multiple appliances attached to the same outlet should not be used as it may cause a power surge.
stephluo@sph.com.sg
