5 days ago
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: PMD battery could be the cause, says SCDF; Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug: Singapore live news
The fatal fire that broke out in a Jalan Bukit Merah flat on 13 Aug may have been caused by a personal mobility device (PMD) battery pack in the living room. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shared their preliminary findings in a Facebook update on 14 Aug.
Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug).
In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike."
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: PMD battery could be the cause, says SCDF
The fatal fire that broke out in a Jalan Bukit Merah flat on 13 Aug may have been caused by a personal mobility device (PMD) battery pack in the living room. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shared their preliminary findings in a Facebook update on 14 Aug.
They wrote, "The public is advised not to leave batteries or devices charging for prolonged periods or leaving the batteries to charge unattended overnight. The public is also advised not to purchase or use non-original batteries."
The fire tragically claimed the lives of a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, who were found unconscious in the kitchen by firefighters and later died in hospital. The blaze had engulfed both the living room and bedroom by the time firefighters arrived.
Two other people from neighbouring units were also taken to the hospital – one due to smoke inhalation and another who felt unwell from the incident. In total, about 60 residents were evacuated from the affected block as a safety measure.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
UK primary school math question stumps a teacher – and the internet
A math problem has gone viral online, leaving students, teachers, and social media users scratching their heads. The puzzling question was shared on Threads by Bobby Seagull, a British elementary school math teacher and TV presenter known from University Challenge. He posted a photo of the problem, which came from the homework of his friend's 7-year-old child.
"I'm a school maths teacher… and I can't solve it," Seagull said in the Thread with 117,000 views. "Any ideas? Am I missing something?"
The problem read: "5)a) Dina is baking. The cake bakes from 11 o'clock until half past 11. The brownies bake from 10 past 11 until 25 to 12. Do you agree with Dina? Explain your answer.'
If you're confused, you're not alone. For the explanation, read here.
2 taken to hospital after KJE accident
Two people were taken to hospital following a road accident involving two cars and a motorcycle on the Kranji Expressway (KJE) towards Tuas on August 13. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police said they were alerted to the incident at around 5.25pm.
A 47-year-old female car passenger and a 29-year-old female motorcyclist were both conscious when they were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Police said a 51-year-old male car driver is currently assisting with investigations.
This incident comes amid a rise in motorcycle-related accidents. According to the 2024 annual road traffic situation, the police shared that the number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased by 4.7 per cent, from 3,792 cases in 2023 to 3,969 cases in 2024.
For more on the KJE accident, read here.
Everything to know about Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl
Taylor Swift is one of the few global pop stars who could tease a new album and leave fans scrounging for every scrap of detail available – whether they be legitimate easter eggs or not.
Well, on Tuesday (12 Aug), Swift announced the title of her upcoming album and that was it. The internet was on fire as speculations ran wild. Now, we have more concrete details of her album, including the release date and one special collaboration.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)
On Thursday, Swift revealed the album cover and the release date. The album will be released on 3 Oct – not surprising, considering that the pre pre-order items were to be shipped before 13 Oct based on her website prior to the announcement.
Swift also shared the full track list of 12 songs and said there won't be additional songs for this album, tempering the expectations of fans who want "vault tracks" (songs which Swift wrote but didn't make the initial cut of the album) and a double album after The Tortured Poets Department set a precedence.
The album will also see the return of producers Max Martin and Shellback, who produced some of Swift's biggest pop hits from her Red and 1989 era. If you're a fan of Blank Space, Style, Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble, and We're Never Ever Getting Back Together, then this might be the album for you.
For more The Life of a Showgirl details, read here.
Trump promises 'severe consequences' for Putin if no Ukraine truce agreed
US president Donald Trump has warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin will face "very severe consequences" if he refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their upcoming summit. The high-stakes meeting is set to take place this Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. It will reportedly be held at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, a military site historically significant during the Cold War.
Trump made the remarks after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also suggested a follow-up summit that could involve all three leaders – himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy – if the outcome of the initial meeting is positive.
"If the first one goes OK, we'll have a quick second one," Trump told reporters in Washington. He expressed a desire to hold the second summit 'almost immediately' if both Putin and Zelenskyy are open to the idea. However, no specific timeline or location for the potential meeting was provided.
When asked directly about the consequences Russia would face if Putin refused a ceasefire, Trump said, "Yes, they will… very severe consequences."
For more on Trump's remarks, read here.
HSA hiring investigators to crack down on Kpods
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is hiring investigators to tackle the growing problem of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers, commonly known as Kpods. Job listings posted around 12 Aug on LinkedIn and the Careers@Gov portal show that the agency is seeking both full-time investigators and senior investigators.
These roles involve a wide range of enforcement duties aimed at protecting public health. According to The Straits Times, responsibilities include arresting individuals who abuse Kpods, conducting surveillance operations for possible importing, peddling and trafficking offences involving Kpods, and collaborating with international police organisations such as Interpol.
The investigators will also take on educational responsibilities and will be expected to deliver preventative talks for youths, relevant stakeholders, and organisations.
For more on the Kpod investigators, read here.
Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug
Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug).
The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol.
In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike."
"Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added.
For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here.
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: 2 dead, about 60 evacuated
Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen.
Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm."
He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: PMD battery could be the cause, says SCDF
The fatal fire that broke out in a Jalan Bukit Merah flat on 13 Aug may have been caused by a personal mobility device (PMD) battery pack in the living room. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shared their preliminary findings in a Facebook update on 14 Aug.
They wrote, "The public is advised not to leave batteries or devices charging for prolonged periods or leaving the batteries to charge unattended overnight. The public is also advised not to purchase or use non-original batteries."
The fire tragically claimed the lives of a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, who were found unconscious in the kitchen by firefighters and later died in hospital. The blaze had engulfed both the living room and bedroom by the time firefighters arrived.
Two other people from neighbouring units were also taken to the hospital – one due to smoke inhalation and another who felt unwell from the incident. In total, about 60 residents were evacuated from the affected block as a safety measure.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
The fatal fire that broke out in a Jalan Bukit Merah flat on 13 Aug may have been caused by a personal mobility device (PMD) battery pack in the living room. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shared their preliminary findings in a Facebook update on 14 Aug.
They wrote, "The public is advised not to leave batteries or devices charging for prolonged periods or leaving the batteries to charge unattended overnight. The public is also advised not to purchase or use non-original batteries."
The fire tragically claimed the lives of a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, who were found unconscious in the kitchen by firefighters and later died in hospital. The blaze had engulfed both the living room and bedroom by the time firefighters arrived.
Two other people from neighbouring units were also taken to the hospital – one due to smoke inhalation and another who felt unwell from the incident. In total, about 60 residents were evacuated from the affected block as a safety measure.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
UK primary school math question stumps a teacher – and the internet
A math problem has gone viral online, leaving students, teachers, and social media users scratching their heads. The puzzling question was shared on Threads by Bobby Seagull, a British elementary school math teacher and TV presenter known from University Challenge. He posted a photo of the problem, which came from the homework of his friend's 7-year-old child.
"I'm a school maths teacher… and I can't solve it," Seagull said in the Thread with 117,000 views. "Any ideas? Am I missing something?"
The problem read: "5)a) Dina is baking. The cake bakes from 11 o'clock until half past 11. The brownies bake from 10 past 11 until 25 to 12. Do you agree with Dina? Explain your answer.'
If you're confused, you're not alone. For the explanation, read here.
A math problem has gone viral online, leaving students, teachers, and social media users scratching their heads. The puzzling question was shared on Threads by Bobby Seagull, a British elementary school math teacher and TV presenter known from University Challenge. He posted a photo of the problem, which came from the homework of his friend's 7-year-old child.
"I'm a school maths teacher… and I can't solve it," Seagull said in the Thread with 117,000 views. "Any ideas? Am I missing something?"
The problem read: "5)a) Dina is baking. The cake bakes from 11 o'clock until half past 11. The brownies bake from 10 past 11 until 25 to 12. Do you agree with Dina? Explain your answer.'
If you're confused, you're not alone. For the explanation, read here.
2 taken to hospital after KJE accident
Two people were taken to hospital following a road accident involving two cars and a motorcycle on the Kranji Expressway (KJE) towards Tuas on August 13. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police said they were alerted to the incident at around 5.25pm.
A 47-year-old female car passenger and a 29-year-old female motorcyclist were both conscious when they were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Police said a 51-year-old male car driver is currently assisting with investigations.
This incident comes amid a rise in motorcycle-related accidents. According to the 2024 annual road traffic situation, the police shared that the number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased by 4.7 per cent, from 3,792 cases in 2023 to 3,969 cases in 2024.
For more on the KJE accident, read here.
Two people were taken to hospital following a road accident involving two cars and a motorcycle on the Kranji Expressway (KJE) towards Tuas on August 13. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police said they were alerted to the incident at around 5.25pm.
A 47-year-old female car passenger and a 29-year-old female motorcyclist were both conscious when they were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Police said a 51-year-old male car driver is currently assisting with investigations.
This incident comes amid a rise in motorcycle-related accidents. According to the 2024 annual road traffic situation, the police shared that the number of accidents involving motorcyclists increased by 4.7 per cent, from 3,792 cases in 2023 to 3,969 cases in 2024.
For more on the KJE accident, read here.
Everything to know about Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl
Taylor Swift is one of the few global pop stars who could tease a new album and leave fans scrounging for every scrap of detail available – whether they be legitimate easter eggs or not.
Well, on Tuesday (12 Aug), Swift announced the title of her upcoming album and that was it. The internet was on fire as speculations ran wild. Now, we have more concrete details of her album, including the release date and one special collaboration.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)
On Thursday, Swift revealed the album cover and the release date. The album will be released on 3 Oct – not surprising, considering that the pre pre-order items were to be shipped before 13 Oct based on her website prior to the announcement.
Swift also shared the full track list of 12 songs and said there won't be additional songs for this album, tempering the expectations of fans who want "vault tracks" (songs which Swift wrote but didn't make the initial cut of the album) and a double album after The Tortured Poets Department set a precedence.
The album will also see the return of producers Max Martin and Shellback, who produced some of Swift's biggest pop hits from her Red and 1989 era. If you're a fan of Blank Space, Style, Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble, and We're Never Ever Getting Back Together, then this might be the album for you.
For more The Life of a Showgirl details, read here.
Taylor Swift is one of the few global pop stars who could tease a new album and leave fans scrounging for every scrap of detail available – whether they be legitimate easter eggs or not.
Well, on Tuesday (12 Aug), Swift announced the title of her upcoming album and that was it. The internet was on fire as speculations ran wild. Now, we have more concrete details of her album, including the release date and one special collaboration.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)
On Thursday, Swift revealed the album cover and the release date. The album will be released on 3 Oct – not surprising, considering that the pre pre-order items were to be shipped before 13 Oct based on her website prior to the announcement.
Swift also shared the full track list of 12 songs and said there won't be additional songs for this album, tempering the expectations of fans who want "vault tracks" (songs which Swift wrote but didn't make the initial cut of the album) and a double album after The Tortured Poets Department set a precedence.
The album will also see the return of producers Max Martin and Shellback, who produced some of Swift's biggest pop hits from her Red and 1989 era. If you're a fan of Blank Space, Style, Shake It Off, I Knew You Were Trouble, and We're Never Ever Getting Back Together, then this might be the album for you.
For more The Life of a Showgirl details, read here.
Trump promises 'severe consequences' for Putin if no Ukraine truce agreed
US president Donald Trump has warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin will face "very severe consequences" if he refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their upcoming summit. The high-stakes meeting is set to take place this Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. It will reportedly be held at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, a military site historically significant during the Cold War.
Trump made the remarks after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also suggested a follow-up summit that could involve all three leaders – himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy – if the outcome of the initial meeting is positive.
"If the first one goes OK, we'll have a quick second one," Trump told reporters in Washington. He expressed a desire to hold the second summit 'almost immediately' if both Putin and Zelenskyy are open to the idea. However, no specific timeline or location for the potential meeting was provided.
When asked directly about the consequences Russia would face if Putin refused a ceasefire, Trump said, "Yes, they will… very severe consequences."
For more on Trump's remarks, read here.
US president Donald Trump has warned that Russian president Vladimir Putin will face "very severe consequences" if he refuses to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine during their upcoming summit. The high-stakes meeting is set to take place this Friday in Anchorage, Alaska. It will reportedly be held at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, a military site historically significant during the Cold War.
Trump made the remarks after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He also suggested a follow-up summit that could involve all three leaders – himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy – if the outcome of the initial meeting is positive.
"If the first one goes OK, we'll have a quick second one," Trump told reporters in Washington. He expressed a desire to hold the second summit 'almost immediately' if both Putin and Zelenskyy are open to the idea. However, no specific timeline or location for the potential meeting was provided.
When asked directly about the consequences Russia would face if Putin refused a ceasefire, Trump said, "Yes, they will… very severe consequences."
For more on Trump's remarks, read here.
HSA hiring investigators to crack down on Kpods
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is hiring investigators to tackle the growing problem of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers, commonly known as Kpods. Job listings posted around 12 Aug on LinkedIn and the Careers@Gov portal show that the agency is seeking both full-time investigators and senior investigators.
These roles involve a wide range of enforcement duties aimed at protecting public health. According to The Straits Times, responsibilities include arresting individuals who abuse Kpods, conducting surveillance operations for possible importing, peddling and trafficking offences involving Kpods, and collaborating with international police organisations such as Interpol.
The investigators will also take on educational responsibilities and will be expected to deliver preventative talks for youths, relevant stakeholders, and organisations.
For more on the Kpod investigators, read here.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is hiring investigators to tackle the growing problem of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers, commonly known as Kpods. Job listings posted around 12 Aug on LinkedIn and the Careers@Gov portal show that the agency is seeking both full-time investigators and senior investigators.
These roles involve a wide range of enforcement duties aimed at protecting public health. According to The Straits Times, responsibilities include arresting individuals who abuse Kpods, conducting surveillance operations for possible importing, peddling and trafficking offences involving Kpods, and collaborating with international police organisations such as Interpol.
The investigators will also take on educational responsibilities and will be expected to deliver preventative talks for youths, relevant stakeholders, and organisations.
For more on the Kpod investigators, read here.
Haidilao Clarke Quay outlet to close on 31 Aug
Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug).
The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol.
In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike."
"Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added.
For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here.
Popular Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao will be closing its Singapore flagship outlet at CQ @ Clarke Quay on 31 Aug, following the expiry of its lease. Customers were informed of the closure via a text message sent to Haidilao members on Wednesday (13 Aug).
The Clarke Quay outlet, which opened in 2012, was Haidilao's first branch in Singapore and marked the brand's entry into the country. The closure announcement comes after the company shut down three other outlets in Bedok, Pasir Ris, and Punggol.
In a statement on 13 Aug, a Haidilao Singapore spokesperson said: "This was our very first outlet in Singapore and served as an introduction to Chinese hotpot for many local diners. It also holds countless fond memories for our team and guests alike."
"Looking ahead, we will continue to serve the local market through diverse concepts and elevated dining experiences," the spokesperson added.
For more on the Haidilao Clarke Quay closure, read here.
Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire: 2 dead, about 60 evacuated
Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen.
Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm."
He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
Two people died after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 106, Jalan Bukit Merah on 13 Aug. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that they responded around 4pm. When they arrived, they found the living room and bedroom of a fourth-floor unit engulfed in flames. Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the blaze and discovered two individuals unconscious in the kitchen.
Police told The Straits Times (ST) that the victims were a 34-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman. Preliminary investigations do not indicate foul play, and further investigations are ongoing. Then victims were taken to Singapore General Hospital but later succumbed to their injuries.
Two other residents from nearby units were also hospitalised – one for feeling unwell and another for smoke inhalation. Around 60 residents from the affected block were evacuated as a safety measure.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A friend of the deceased man told ST he saw the couple shouting for help at their window. The self-employed 41-year-old said, "She was shouting, 'Brother, help me!' in Malay and he was hugging her from behind. I recognised him from the tattoos on his arm."
He also witnessed the woman attempting to save her cat by handing it to firefighters through the window.
For more on the Jalan Bukit Merah flat fire, read here.
