Tragic incident claims life of 19-year-old in Sengkang parking lot fall
A 19-year-old girl, reportedly falling from height on Sunday (10 March) in a Sengkang HDB parking lot, was hospitalized in a coma and tragically succumbed to severe injuries.
SINGAPORE: A 19-year-old girl, reportedly having fallen from a height, fell into a coma and tragically passed away after being transported to the hospital on Sunday (10 March), in the parking lot of an HDB housing estate in Sengkang.
Rising suicide figures
Singapore reported a concerning 476 cases of suicide in 2022, marking the highest number in over two decades.
The Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), a non-profit suicide prevention agency, reported a 25.9% increase from the previous year, with a significant rise among the youth and the elderly.
SOS said that family problems, employment and financial difficulties, as well as romantic relationships, were the most frequently presented problems by people who contacted SOS’ services.
Individuals aged 10 to 29 accounted for more than a quarter of the cases, making suicide the leading cause of death in this age group.
Furthermore, individuals aged 70 to 79 witnessed a staggering 60% increase in suicide deaths compared to the previous year.
The top three issues that elderly people sought help for were medical problems, family difficulties and loneliness, said SOS.
SOS received 57,000 phone calls seeking help last year, a 7% increase from the previous year, while its CareText 24-hours messaging service via WhatsApp received 22,000 text messages, more than double compared to the previous year.
The pressing need for more volunteers and community engagement in suicide prevention has never been more critical.
Where to get help:
Samaritans of Singapore Hotline: 1767
Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222
Singapore Association for Mental Health Helpline: 1800 283 7019
You can also find a list of international helplines here. If someone you know is at immediate risk, call 24-hour emergency medical services.
