S'porean hurt in Taiwan water park blaze now in SGH
She was badly burned in Saturday's water park blaze in Taiwan, which killed one person.
Singaporean Megan Loy was on a graduation trip with friends at the Colour Play Asia music festival at the Formosa Fun Coast water park on the outskirts of Taipei when things turned tragic.
A fire ignited from coloured powder as it was sprayed on cheering and dancing revellers, engulfing them in an inferno.
Ms Loy suffered up to 50 per cent burns on her body and is now warded at Singapore General Hospital.
In a statement, Singapore Trade Office in Taipei said she was evacuated last night.
According to The Straits Times, the office was in contact with Ms Loy's parents, who have requested for privacy. The Loys are believed to reside in Shanghai.
Her three friends are Ms Samantha Chan, Ms Janice Li and Ms Theresa Yip, all aged 18. Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily identified the trio as Hong Kong residents.
It reported that Ms Yip is in intensive care for second-degree burns, while Ms Li and Ms Chan suffered less serious first-degree burns covering up to 50 per cent of their bodies.
Based on information on their Facebook pages, all three are Ms Loy’s schoolmates from Dulwich College Shanghai, an international school in the Pudong district of Shanghai, China.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force said they are studying the Taiwan incident in relation to the Colour Run event in Singapore in August.
"We will assess all safety aspects associated with the use of coloured powder, before granting any approval for the Colour Run or other similar events,” the joint statement said.
The Taiwanese authorities suspect that the explosion of coloured powder thrown on partygoers – a hallmark of the event – might be to blame for the fire.
They have banned the use of the powder until investigations are over.
Taiwanese Lee Pei-yun, 20, was the first fatality, Reuters reported.
She died yesterday (June 29) after suffering second-degree burns on more than 90 per cent of her body.
Officials said more than 200 of those being treated remained in serious condition.
Meanwhile, Taiwanese stars have expressed sympathy for the victims.
Hebe from girl group S.H.E told the Taiwanese media: “My heart ached and I felt that it was cruel. I hope that all the victims can be properly taken care of.”
Mandopop diva Jolin Tsai, upon knowing that one of her fans was among those seriously injured, released an audio recording for him, saying: “I know how scared you are now. No matter what, you must throw away your fears and hang in there. You must fight this battle alongside the medical crew and your family, and live on bravely. Think of all the beautiful things and do not give up.”
Selina Jen of S.H.E, who was badly burnt in a filming accident in 2010, added: “Cry if you have to. Time is the best medicine. When you need me, I will be there to support you!”
Sources: Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, Reuters, The Straits Times, Instagram
Related report: Singaporean woman among injured in Taiwan water park blaze
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