SINGAPORE – An Indonesian businesswoman, who had been living in Singapore, died in a fire last week while on a family holiday to Alaska.
Ms Silvana Regina Sutanto, a Singapore Permanent Resident, was visiting Kodiak Lodge, located on an offshore island, when the accident happened last Thursday (May 26, in the United States). She was with her three children, who were injured in the fire.
According to local news reports there seen by The Straits Times, the fire happened at about 4am. Rescue troopers could not fly to the lodge “because of poor visibility”, reported Alaska Public Media.
At least one other wildlife trooper, two state troopers and a deputy fire marshal were sent on a patrol boat, said Alaska Dispatch News. The fire at the lodge was extinguished by 10.45am. Its cause is still being investigated.
When The Straits Times visited Ms Sutanto’s home in Belmont Road on Monday (June 6), her two domestic helpers appeared distraught. One of them, who gave her name only as Ata – who has worked for Ms Sutanto for 30 years – said that she was a “very good employer” but declined to comment further.
The family had left for their holiday three weeks ago. The Straits Times understands that Ms Sutanto’s husband and relatives had flown to Alaska.
The helpers had heard about the accident a couple of days ago through Ms Sutanto’s relatives and friends. Their employer is the director of five wellness and investment companies in Singapore including United Wealth Industries, The Inspiration Shop and Universal Wellbeing.
Mr Ranjan Ramchandani, a family friend of Ms Sutanto, said: “We were actually chatting very recently on plans to travel to India, Ethopia and Alaska to photograph certain parts before it gets too late.”
“Silvana was always smiling and excited to get out to nature. She was full of life and very humble. We will miss her,” he added.
Additional reporting by Calvin Yang and Aw Cheng Wei
This article was first published on June 6, 2016.
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