SINGAPORE — In the aftermath of a fire that ripped through Hong Lim Food Centre, an elderly hawker couple is grappling with the emotional and financial toll of losing decades of hard work in minutes.

The blaze, which broke out unexpectedly, destroyed the couple’s stall and much of the equipment they had painstakingly gathered over years of service to their loyal customers. Both in their later years, the pair had built their business through long days, personal sacrifice, and close ties to the community — a legacy now threatened by the sudden disaster.

Speaking about the incident, the couple expressed profound sadness over the loss of not just physical assets but a lifetime of memories and relationships formed over countless meals served. They highlighted the difficulty of rebuilding at their age and voiced concerns over uncertain future prospects, even as supporters from the community have stepped forward to offer assistance.

Authorities and fellow hawkers have rallied around the pair, extending help through fundraising efforts and expressions of solidarity. Yet for the couple, the emotional wound remains deep as they contemplate whether to restart, retire, or find a new path forward.

Their story underscores the vulnerability of small, family-run businesses to unforeseen events and raises broader questions about resilience, community support, and the preservation of Singapore’s iconic hawker heritage.