PM Lawrence Wong announces task force in response to US tariffs; Global attention for River Valley fire involving Bollywood actor-politician Pawan Kalyan’s young son: Singapore live news

A devastating fire at a River Valley Road shophouse Tuesday (8 April) has gained international attention after it left one child dead and 21 others injured, including Mark Shankar, the 7-year-old son of Indian politician and Bollywood actor Pawan Kalyan.

The fire broke out at an educational centre for children, where panic ensued as the blaze quickly spread through the building.

Mark, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation, was rushed to the hospital, and the incident has sparked widespread concern across the globe, especially given the involvement of a prominent political figure’s child.

The fire began around 9:45am, quickly engulfing the three-story building.

The swift action of bystanders, including construction workers who used scaffolding to rescue trapped children, prevented further casualties.

Among the injured was Mark Shankar, who suffered severe burns to his hands and legs and had difficulty breathing due to smoke inhalation.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Pawan Kalyan, who is the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, India, remained in India to fulfil official duties before flying to Singapore to be with his son.

Tragically, the fire claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl who succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with children being evacuated from the building and transported to nearby hospitals.

Emergency medical teams administered oxygen and treatment to the injured.

Shankar, who was attending classes at the educational centre at the time of the fire, was among those quickly transported to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting no signs of foul play.