NSF dies after accident at military training area in Australia
UPDATE: Mindef provided more details on the accident and arrangements for 3SG Chan’s next-of-kin to fly to Australia
A 21-year-old Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman died following a vehicular accident at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia on Friday (15 September).
3rd Sergeant Chan Hiang Cheng Gavin, a Vehicle Commander from the 41st Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, was travelling in the Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicle as part of an exercise when the accident happened at about 6:15pm, Singapore time, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on Friday (15 September).
3SG Chan was guiding the vehicle out of difficult terrain when it landed on its side. He was found unconscious next to the vehicle. The driver and two other passengers travelling in the vehicle were unhurt, according to an update by Mindef on Saturday.
An SAF medic began resuscitation efforts on 3SG Chan, who was unconscious following the accident. He was evacuated via a helicopter to Rockhampton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at around 10:36pm.
Mindef has made necessary arrangements for 3SG Chan’s next-of-kin to be flown to Australia, and they arrived Saturday morning.
A safety pause on training in Shoalwater Bay Training Area has taken effect, and an investigation of the accident is ongoing, the statement added.
“The Ministry of Defence and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late serviceman and are assisting the family in this time of grief,” MINDEF said.
