Newsroom Eruption: A Mysterious Letter Turns a Quiet Day into a Drama
On the bright afternoon of November 2nd, the usually calm newsroom of The Straits Times in Toa Payoh went from routine to pulse‑pounding. The news went viral before the ink had even dried.
What Happened?
- Three staff members reported feeling dizzy after coming into contact with a strange paper.
- The envelope, stamped with United Kingdom stamps, looked like a “time capsule” delivered from abroad.
- Security at the Singapore Press Holdings News Centre acted fast, knocking the situation into high gear.
Swift Response
- Law enforcement was notified immediately and mobilised.
- SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) arrived and cordoned off the suspect area, sealing the envelope securely.
- Officials worked together to ensure everyone’s safety while the mystery was unpacked.
Key Takeaways
- Even in a digital age, paper still surprises—unless you’re prepared for it.
- Quick thinking by security can turn a potential hazard into a controlled investigation.
- Stay vigilant: you never know when a foreign-sent letter might bring a whirlwind of activity to your workspace.
Paper Panic Turns Into a Safety Showdown
On a quiet Friday morning, the Straits Times newsroom in Toa Payoh got a bit of a midnight snack – a suspicious letter that made everyone stop and think, “What’s going on here?”
The Letter That Turned the Room Crabbed
- The envelope, addressed to “The Straights Times” (not the real newspaper name), carried several pages of gibberish.
- Three curious staff members opened it, only to be hit with a strong, burning scent that left them feeling woozy and teary.
By 4 pm, security was on the scene and the police, along with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), stepped in.
Quick Response: Clean‑Up and Check‑Out
- The SCDF’s HazMat crew ran a battery of tests on the envelope, and guess what? No harmful substances were found.
- Even though everything turned out safe, the newsroom and surrounding areas were decontaminated just to be sure.
- All three employees got checked by a paramedic and after a brief shower and a fresh change of clothes, they were cleared to move on.
Back to Business (and a Bit of Relief)
While the package was under investigation, reporters didn’t skip a beat. They continued working on stories for the ST website and the print edition from other parts of the newsroom.
At 7 pm, the SCDF gave the all‑clear. The envelope and its contents was wrestled into the police’s hands for further scrutiny.
Words from the Editor‑in‑Chief
Warren Fernandez – on the front lines and a seasoned editor – said, “All three women have recovered, and everyone at the paper is fine.” He expressed his gratitude for the police and SCDF’s prompt and professional response.
In short, a moment of media “panic” is over, and the newsroom returns to its usual rhythm – with a tale of caution, a dash of drama, and a sprinkle of reassurance.
