A tragic fire at a shophouse on River Valley Road has prompted an urgent investigation by Singapore authorities, uncovering serious fire safety breaches and unauthorized property use. The blaze, which broke out on Apr 8, 2025, led to the hospitalization of 22 people, including 16 children, and resulted in the death of a 10-year-old girl. Preliminary findings by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reveal critical oversights that may have contributed to the devastating incident.
Fire Originated on Second Floor Storage Area
According to the SCDF’s initial investigation, the fire likely began in a second-storey storage area of the three-storey shophouse at 278 River Valley Road. The SCDF stated that the premises contained unauthorised internal partitions, a clear violation of fire safety codes. Such structures can severely obstruct evacuation and increase the speed at which fires spread—posing grave risks, especially in buildings occupied by children.
URA: Only First Floor Approved for Enrichment Activities
The URA confirmed that only the first floor of the building was legally approved for use as a children’s enrichment centre. The second and third floors, including the attic, were approved solely for residential purposes. Any unauthorized change in usage violates Singapore’s strict building and zoning regulations, with penalties of up to S$200,000 for offenders.
Newtonshow Camp and Affiliates Under Scrutiny
The shophouse in question is home to Newtonshow Camp, which also hosts other brands such as Tomato Cooking School, Drama Llama (a theatre school), and Maker (a coding school). These brands are listed as part of Newtonshow’s network, which operates multiple locations across Singapore. While Tomato Cooking School has stated it is cooperating fully with authorities, the extent of operational compliance across all locations is expected to come under review.
Social Media Shows Dramatic Rescue Efforts
Footage from the day of the fire shows children stranded on a third-storey ledge, surrounded by thick black smoke. Construction workers and bystanders are seen heroically using ladders and scaffolding to reach and rescue them. The harrowing images have sparked public concern and calls for tighter safety audits in commercial-residential mixed-use buildings, especially those catering to children.
SCDF Warns of Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance
In its official statement, SCDF emphasized that fire safety breaches pose “significant risks to lives and property.” Any entity found responsible could face up to S$200,000 in fines, 24 months’ imprisonment, or both. SCDF has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on fire safety violations and urged all businesses to comply fully with building codes and safety regulations.
Enrichment Sector Faces Heightened Scrutiny
Following this incident, the spotlight is now on Singapore’s enrichment centre industry. With many centres operating in repurposed shophouses and mixed-use premises, regulators may introduce more frequent audits, licensing checks, and operational safety reviews. Parents are also being urged to verify that enrichment centres their children attend are compliant with URA and SCDF guidelines.
Ongoing Investigations to Determine Liability
Both the SCDF and URA have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Liability may extend to property owners, tenants, and operators depending on who authorized or conducted the unauthorised renovations and who was responsible for managing daily operations. Public interest in this case remains high due to the young victims and the potentially preventable nature of the tragedy.
Conclusion
The River Valley fire tragedy has sent shockwaves through Singapore, raising urgent questions about fire safety enforcement and unauthorised property use in enrichment centres. With investigations ongoing, the focus now shifts to accountability, regulatory reform, and ensuring such a devastating event is never repeated. As the community grieves the loss of a young life, authorities are expected to act swiftly to strengthen safety protocols across the island.
