On June 27, 2015, a serious fire occurred at Formosa Fun Coast, a water park in Bali, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It was supposed to be a happy event with hundreds of young people attending. There was live music, lots of dancing, and since it was hot, most people dressed minimally for the hot weather. The guests were sprayed with corn starch because it was supposed to be a “color powder party.” But the corn starch was flammable and ignited. The corn starch dispersed into multiple clouds and a fire ensued.
Many guests were smoking at the event. The weather was hot and since many guests had light clothing, legs and trunks were burned. The dust was all over the floors. Shoes stuck to the ground. People were sent to about 50 hospitals across Taiwan. Some people took a cab to the hospital since there weren’t enough ambulances.
Megan Loy was one of the most severely injured at the event. She said she didn’t feel pain at the time because her nerve endings had burned. Megan had 80% burns to her body comprising third-degree burns. The decision was made to transport her to Singapore via lear jet. Singapore General Hospital has a burn center and skin bank.
There was a reason why Singapore General Hospital was prepared. There had been a previous terror attack in Singapore. They needed to ask Australia and the U.S. for skin at the time. After that, they were prepared with a skin bank and skin culturing capabilities. Dr. Chew Khong Yik, a plastic surgeon who worked on Megan’s case, felt that she had a slim chance of survival. Nevertheless, he made the decision to send her to Singapore. During the flight, her kidney and blood pressure were unstable. He was worried about infection and organ failure and he knew she was deteriorating rapidly.
The decision proved to be a good one. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital worked intensely on Megan’s case. Eight doctors worked for at least 6 hours on Megan’s initial surgery. She had skin grafts and donor skin in very small pieces and it was a very labor-intensive procedure. There were multiple surgeries during Megan’s hospital stay – nine in total including 50 hours of surgery. Megan needed round-the-clock intensive care.
Doctors were concerned with flesh-eating bacteria. Megan was put on a cocktail of antibiotics. Megan, however, pulled through and later went through physical therapy. She could barely stand up at first but over time she learned to walk again. Her team at the burn unit was very proud and so was she with her miraculous recovery. Megan remained at the Singapore Hospital Burn Center for four months.
Megan says that her four-month stay at Singapore General Hospital gave her the chance to experience the transformation, both physical and psychological, that doctors can bring about in their patients.
She says, “Throughout my hospital stay, I met some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated doctors. What struck me was their commitment and enthusiasm for their vocation. As a patient, I experienced bouts of helplessness, frustration, and anxiety. But I also felt the hope and comfort that doctors can bring.”
Megan was determined to be a doctor herself. In 2021, Megan completed her final medical school exam. Today she is on her way to becoming a doctor. She wants to become a burn treatment specialist.
It’s really awesome that she survived and made it to Singapore Hospital. I bet she will be a great doctor.
She will make a great doctor after what she has been through
That is such an amazing story. I wonder what the hospital bill was like. I’m glad she survived.