SPF, SCDF to assess safety of Colour Run event

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a joint statement on Tuesday that they will assess all safety aspects associated with the use of coloured powder before granting approval for the upcoming Colour Run event.

The two agencies added that they will work with the event organiser regarding the use of the substance at the event. Participants are usually doused with coloured powders along the 5km route.

This follows news of 524 people sustaining injuries after an explosion at a similar "colour party" in Taipei's Formosa Fun Coast water park last Saturday. A Taiwanese woman died from severe burn injuries on Monday.

In Singapore, members of the public have voiced their concerns over the safety of the event, and also wondered whether the event in Singapore would be cancelled.

Organisers of Colour Run Singapore said in a Facebook post on Monday that the "powder used in its events had been tested for flammability and passed the required EU standards."

They also said that there have been no fire-related accidents in the past 500 events held globally.

The third iteration of Colour Run Singapore is scheduled to take place at Sentosa from Aug 22 to 23.

minlee@sph.com.sg