Toh Qiu Ping, B.Sc(Mathematical Sciences)
CFEI Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
Tan Kim Haw, M.Sc(HSE), B.Sc(Chem)(Hons)
CFEI Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
Lim Beng Hui, M.Sc(FI)(Dist), B.Eng(Civil)(Hons)
CFEI, CFII Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
Lim Lam Kwang, B.Eng(Mechanical)(Hons)
Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
Anna Teo Li Li, Diploma (Applied Food Science & Nutrition)
Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
Presented at the International Symposium on Fire Investigation Science and Technology, 2018
ABSTRACT
On 27 June 2015, 15 people were killed and more than 500 people were injured in a blaze at the Colour Play Asia event at the Formosa Fun Coast Water Park, just outside Taiwan’s capital, Taipei. The fire was caused by an explosion of a dense cloud of coloured powder – a mixture of corn starch and food colouring – which was sprayed into the air at high velocity over crowds of party goers.
Arising from the incident, there were safety concerns on the use of such coloured powder in other similar events worldwide, including Singapore’s own version of the Colour Run. This paper summarises the fire investigation findings from the tragedy in Taipei, and shares insights on the fire safety assessment conducted by Singapore authorities prior to its own event. Details of a laboratory analysis of the powders used and a hazard evaluation of the event will be presented. The safety measures imposed to minimise the risks involved, for Singapore’s Colour Run and other similar events, will also be discussed.
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