Molazzana, Italy – A tragic gas explosion in the picturesque town of Molazzana, Italy, has claimed the lives of K.F. Seetoh’s sibling and his wife on December 21. The couple, identified as Mr. Seetoh Kwok Meng, 68, and his wife, Chang Kai En, 52, were reportedly at their holiday home when the explosion occurred late at night.
The explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, resulted in the collapse of the house walls and a devastating fire that engulfed the property. Rescue workers found Mr. Seetoh’s body under the rubble the next morning, while the search for Ms. Chang continued until December 23. The incident was first reported by local news outlet Il Tirreno.
Mr. Seetoh was known as the founder of the popular food guide Makansutra and curator of the Urban Hawker food center in New York City. He confirmed the tragic deaths of his brother and sister-in-law in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing his sorrow over the loss of his “jovial” brother who had found peace in retirement in Tuscany.
Neighbors of the couple in Molazzana described them as cordial, with the mayor of the town, Mr. Andrea Talani, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic incident. The impact of the loss was widely felt across the community, highlighting the couple’s positive presence in the neighborhood.
Despite the devastating loss, friends and family members of Mr. Seetoh and Ms. Chang are receiving assistance from Singapore’s Embassy in Italy. The couple’s former colleague, Mr. Peter Yap, shared fond memories of their time together and expressed gratitude for their friendship during challenging moments.
Mr. Seetoh Kwok Meng’s professional background as the former chief operating officer of Taiwan Motor Image added another layer to the couple’s story, shedding light on their successful careers prior to retirement in Tuscany. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of disasters that can change lives in an instant.
As the community mourns the loss of Mr. Seetoh and Ms. Chang, their legacy of kindness and warmth lives on in the memories of those who knew them. The tragic gas explosion in Molazzana has left a profound impact on all who knew the couple, underscoring the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones and building strong connections within communities.