River Valley shophouse fire: Only 1st floor approved for use as children enrichment centre

The shophouse fire at 278 River Valley Road on Apr. 8 resulted in 21 people injured and the death of a 10-year-old Australian girl, who passed away after she was conveyed to the hospital.

The shophouse is listed as the venue for several camps organised by the Newton Show Camp enrichment centre, including the Tomato Cooking School.

The three-storey shophouse has approved uses for a child enrichment centre on its ground floor, while the second and third floors are designated for residential purposes.

After the fire broke out, some of those stranded inside, including children, climbed to the ledge at the third floor to await rescue.

Allowable use for shophouses

In response to queries from Mothership, an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.

The site at 278 River Valley Road is a three-storey building with an attic, the spokesperson said.

The first storey is approved for use as a children’s enrichment centre, while the second and third storeys, as well as the attic, are approved for residential use, the authority added.

Under the Planning Act, parties found to be guilty of unauthorised use of premises shall be liable to a fine up to S$200,000.

Based on the past decisions listed on the URA website, the first storey has approval for use as a children enrichment centre from Mar. 15, 2023 to Apr. 22, 2026.

To carry out a change of the property's use, an application must be submitted for URA's assessment and the landowner's consent must be obtained before making the application.

Centre working with authorites on investigation

In response to Lianhe Zaobao, a representative from Newton Show Camp said its has immediately taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of children and staff.

A statement by Tomato Cooking School was put up on Facebook on Apr. 9.

"Our management and executive teams are fully committed to this matter and are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the incident and confirm whether safety procedures were followed."

The centre said it will provide updates.

Many victims were international students

Most of the victims were international students, Zaobao reported, including the deceased, who was identified as an Australian girl.

One of the youngest victims to be injured is the eight-year-old son of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

A press release issued by Kalyan’s Jana Sena Partyhe said the fire caused the boy to suffer burns on his hands and legs, and the smoke inhalation also affected his lungs.

He is receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore.

A mother surnamed Fu told Zaobao that international schools were on vacation for two weeks, so many parents had sent their children to participate in summer camps.

"I signed up for the outdoor exploration course for my child this time. I went out today, so I escaped."

Out of the 22 people affected, six were adults aged between 23 and 55, and 16 were children aged between six and 10.

Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect foul play, they confirmed with Mothership.

Investigations are ongoing.

Top photo from SCDF/Facebook