List of military training deaths in Singapore

Last updated

Singapore maintains an active conscription system in accordance with the regulations set by the Government of Singapore, known as National Service (NS). [1] This requires all qualified male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents to serve a period of active duty military service in the uniformed services, in either the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) or the Singapore Police Force (SPF). [2] Below is a list of reported deaths that resulted from training incidents.

Contents

National servicemanDateAgeIncidentPlace
Recruit (REC) Allen Tan Chong Huat24 October 196819Fatally stung by hornets. [3] Chua Chu Kang, Singapore
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Tay Seow Kai26 August 1970212LT Tay grabbed a grenade from a recruit who fumbled while handling the grenade during a live exercise. The grenade detonated in his hand, killing him and causing minor injuries for 2 others. [4] Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute, Singapore
Private (PTE) Edward Rengasamy29 August 198118Soldier died after iron piece pierced his throat during SAF Display Rehearsal [5] West Coast Park, Singapore
Corporal (CPL) Tamil Selvam s/o Suppiah9 October 198222Fatally wounded in a training exercise. [6] Sembawang, Singapore
Private (PTE) Tham Wai Keong23 May 198318Tham was found dead a day after he had gone missing from a route march. [7] The state coroner reported that the private died from a ruptured stomach, but an open verdict was recorded as a forensic pathologist was unable to exclude the possibility that Tham was hit by the entrenching tool found next to his body. [7] [8] Pulau Tekong, Singapore
Lieutenant (LTA) Koh Meah Wan10 April 198423Died of unspecified "serious injuries" during a training exercise. [9] Sungei Gedong, Singapore
Recruit (REC) Sim Keat Kee13 April 198419Collapsed during a two-kilometre run. [10] -
Recruit (REC) Bak Yow Hock18 April 198417Died while undergo training at School of Naval Training. [11] Sembawang, Singapore
Private (PTE) Hay Yong Chye26 November 198619Buried alive. [12] Sarimbun Ave, Singapore
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Goh Kim Loong
Corporal (CPL) Ramiya Mohan
Lieutenant (LTA) Ng Soon Hup
Lieutenant (LTA) Siow Poh Guan
Lieutenant (LTA) Wee Tong Leong
Captain (CPT) Lakbir Singh		24 January 1987-Helicopter crash. [13] Near Brunei International Airport, Brunei
Private (PTE) Lim Chee Keng19 February 199421Collapsed at the end of a 10-kilometre run. [14] Kranji, Singapore
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Zulhelmi Mohammad Said3 August 199620Struck by lightning while moving his platoon out of a training area due to bad weather. [15] [16] Lim Chu Kang, Singapore
Officer Cadet Trainee (OCT) Tan Sek Hong9 December 199619Tan Choon Ming (OCT), 20, loaded a general purpose machine gun without permission and meddled with its trigger in front of a group of officer cadets trainees. He shot Tan Sek Hong, 19, in the chest. Tan later died of a gun shot wound. [17] Rest area of the live-firing area of Safti Camp, off Upper Jurong Road
Third Sergeant (3SG) Ronnie Tan Han Chong
Lance Corporal (LCP) Low Yin Tit		9 March 1997-A 155mm artillery round exploded in the barrel of a FH-2000 howitzer during a live-firing exercise conducted by the 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery. Twelve other servicemen were injured in the incident, including a liaison officer from the New Zealand Army. The explosion was caused by a defective fuze supplied by the Chartered Ammunition Industries which failed to ensure that the fuzes procured by its contractor met military specifications. [18] Waiouru Army Camp, New Zealand
Captain (CPT) Teddy Quah Kok Meng11 December 1999-Died after the vehicle he was travelling in crashed into a tree. [19] Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia
Second Lieutenant (2LT) Daryl Loh Chuan Rong26 February 2001-A Full-Time National Serviceman. Thrown overboard as the Missile Gunboat he was on suddenly accelerated and struck another gunboat. [20] Changi Naval Base, Singapore
Corporal (CPL) Kwok Wei Ming29 October 200120A Full-Time National Serviceman. Collapsed during a Commando Battalion training and died in camp after being transported to its medical facility. [21] Hendon Camp, Singapore
Lance-Corporal (LCP) (NS) Mohd Shahlan bin Abdul Rahim15 May 2002-Collapsed while taking his Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), and died in hospital. [22] Clementi Camp, Singapore
Recruit (REC) Ivan Ho Yong Hua10 Oct 2002-Found unconscious at training ground and died in hospital. [23] Pulau Tekong, Singapore
Second Sergeant (2SG) Hu Enhuai21 August 2003-Died from asphyxia and near drowning during a POW survival training course. Four commando officers conducting the training were jailed for carrying out an inappropriate "dunking" procedure that led to his death. [24] Unspecified
First Sergeant (1SG) Shiva s/o Mohan13 July 2005-Accident while performing heli-borne rappelling. Also involved one other foreign serviceman. [25] Sembawang Airbase
Special Constable Trainee (TSC) Roslan Bin Saharo15 May 2008-Collapsed shortly after commencing a trial IPPT conducted at the Home Team Academy on 13 May 2008. He was reported to have been unwell before the run, and died in hospital two days later due to complications caused by heat stroke. Further enquiry found that he failed to report that he had a fever, and insisted on continuing the run despite concerns from squad-mates.Home Team Academy, Singapore
Recruit (REC) Andrew Cheah Wei Siong10 June 2008-Fainted during a 2 kilometre training walk as part of the enhanced Basic Military Training (BMT) for obese recruits. He was evacuated by helicopter to Singapore General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. [26] Pulau Tekong, Singapore
Second-Lieutenant (2nd Lt) Lam Jia Hao Clifton [lower-alpha 1] 12 June 200820Collapsed during a jungle orientation training in Brunei; died in hospital. [28] Brunei
Private (PTE) Foo Wei Rong Joe1 October 200820Collapsed while doing pull-ups. He was later evacuated to Tengah Medical Centre, where the doctors tried to resuscitate him. He subsequently sent to National University Hospital while the medical doctor and medic continued their resuscitation attempt en route, but was subsequently pronounced dead. [29] [30] Lim Chu Kang Camp, Singapore
First Warrant Officer (1WO) Tan Poh Eng21 May 200953Died in a parachuting accident. [31] Bloemfountein, South Africa
Lance Corporal (LCP) Eugin Wee Yong Choon28 January 201120Hit by a truck driven by another serviceman while unloading stores. [32] [33] Jurong Camp, Singapore
Specialist Cadet Trainee (SCT) Ee Chun Sheng2 August 201121Found not breathing after separated from his teammates during a training exercise. Due to either "natural disease process" caused by a heart defect or possible heat stroke. [34] Ama Keng Training Area, Lim Chu Kang, Singapore
Corporal (CPL) Li Hong Yang10 January 201228Collapsed after completing the 2.4 kilometre run in the IPPT. [35] Kranji Camp, Singapore
Private (PTE) Dominique Sarron Lee Rui Feng17 April 201221Breathing difficulties triggered by an allergic reaction to smoke grenades. COI found out that CPT Najib Hanuk Bin Muhamad Jalal was responsible for throwing 6 smoke grenades (three times more than needed for training). Death could have been prevented if Safety officer CPT (now LTC) Chia Thye Siong had stopped CPT Najib. [36] Murai Urban Training Facility
Third Sergeant (3SG) Tan Mou Sheng10 May 201220Found pinned to his jeep and unconscious after its driver, 3SG Cavin Tan, lost control of the vehicle. [37] Marsiling, Singapore
Lance Corporal (LCP) Muhammad Fahrurrazi Bin Salim12 August 201220Went missing during a jungle training exercise. He was the coxswain in a convoy of four boats meant to support water crossing segment of the exercise. His body was found three days later, 200 metres from his last known position. [38] Sungai Batu Apoi river, Temburong District, Brunei
Lance-Corporal (LCP) (NS) Tan Tai Seng27 September 201223Hit by falling tree while waiting to enter training area. [39] Ama Keng Training Area, Lim Chu Kang, Singapore
Third Sergeant (3SG) Chan Hiang Cheng Gavin15 September 201721His Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicle toppled sideways while he was guiding it out of difficult terrain; [40] he was heli-evacuated to Rockhampton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. [41] Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia
Corporal First Class (CFC) Lee Han Xuan Dave [lower-alpha 2] 30 April 201819Displayed signs of hyperthermia on 18 April after completing an 8 kilometre fast march. Lee was evacuated to the camp's medical centre and subsequently transferred to Changi General Hospital, where he was warded in an intensive care unit, but his condition only worsened. [43] Bedok Camp, Singapore
Corporal First Class (CFC) Liu Kai [lower-alpha 3] 3 November 201822Killed in a training accident when a Bionix AFV vehicle reversed into his Land Rover during a training exercise. [45] Murai Urban Training Facility
Corporal First Class (CFC) (NS) Aloysius Pang 24 January 201928Died four days after sustaining severe chest and abdominal injuries when the barrel of a self-propelled Howitzer was lowered while he was repairing it with two other SAF personnel during Exercise Thunder Warrior. [46] Waiouru Military Camp, New Zealand

Notes

  1. ↑ Posthumously awarded the title of Second-Lieutenant (2nd Lt). [27]
  2. ↑ Posthumously awarded the title of Corporal First Class (CFC). [42]
  3. ↑ Posthumously awarded the title of Corporal First Class (CFC). [44]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Singapore Armed Forces</span> Military of Singapore

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are the military of the Republic of Singapore, responsible for protecting and defending the security interests and the sovereignty of the country. A component of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the armed forces have four service branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Digital and Intelligence Service. An integrated force, it is one of the most capable, robust, technologically sophisticated and powerful militaries in the Southeast Asia region. The SAF is headed by the chief of defence force, appointed by the President, on the advice of the Cabinet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Republic of Singapore Navy</span> Naval service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is the maritime service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) responsible for defending the country against any seaborne threats and as a guarantor of its sea lines of communications. The RSN traces its origins to the Royal Navy when Singapore was still a crown colony of the British Empire. The service was formally established in 1967, two years after its independence from Malaysia in 1965, and had undergone a substantial modernisation ever since – which has led them into becoming the most powerful navy in Southeast Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Singapore Army</span> Land service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces

The Singapore Army is the land service branch of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The largest of the four branches of the SAF, the Singapore Army traces its origins to the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, which was formed in 1957, when Singapore was still under British colonial rule. After Singapore's independence on 9 August 1965, the Singapore Army Bill was passed in Parliament on 23 December 1965, and National Service (NS) was subsequently introduced in 1967. Mostly made up of conscripts, the Singapore Army can mobilise all operationally-ready military reservists in the event of war or national exigencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commandos (Singapore Army)</span> Military unit

Commandos is the special forces formation of the Singapore Army responsible for conducting special operations. Commandos are tasked with infiltrating behind enemy lines by raiding and reconnaissance operations using airborne raids, helicopter assault and sea landings. The formation is made up of only one battalion, the 1st Commando Battalion, and is based in Hendon Camp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Diving Unit (Singapore)</span> Maritime special forces unit

The Naval Diving Unit (NDU), also referred to as the Naval Divers, is the special forces formation of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) responsible for conducting special operations from sea, air, and land. The formation is made up of six squadrons, specialising in explosive ordnance disposal, underwater demolition, maritime security operations, and combatant craft operations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Singapore Civil Defence Force</span> Emergency services organisation in Singapore

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is a uniformed organisation in Singapore under the Ministry of Home Affairs that provides emergency services such as firefighting, technical rescue, and emergency medical services, and coordinates national civil defence programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National service in Singapore</span> Compulsory service in Singapore

Singapore maintains an active conscription system in accordance with the regulations set by the Government of Singapore, known as National Service (NS). This requires all qualified male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents to serve a period of active duty military service in the uniformed services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internal Security Department (Singapore)</span> Intelligence Agency in Singapore

The Internal Security Department (內部安全局) or ISD is the domestic intelligence, counter-espionage and security agency of Singapore under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is tasked to confront and address security threats ranging from subversion or sedition, spying or espionage, foreign influence, domestic or international terrorism, political or religious extremism, and fraud against the state.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has five rank schemes for active and reservist personnel, with a sixth for the auxiliaries of the SAF Volunteer Corps. The SAF has a unique rank structure as an integrated force, ranks are the same in the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desmond Kuek</span> Former Chief of Defence Force of Singapore

Desmond Kuek Bak Chye is a Singaporean former lieutenant-general who served as Chief of Defence Force between 2007 and 2010.

The Singapore Armed Forces National Service Medal is an award conferred on a National Serviceman (NSman) of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) who has completed an equivalent 10 years of active service. This is achieved by meaningfully and satisfactorily completed 7 High-Key In-Camp Trainings over 10 ORNS cycles.

<i>Fearless</i>-class patrol vessel Type of Singaporean naval vessel

The Fearless-class patrol vessels were built by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in the 1990s. Four remain in service with the RSN as modified Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRVs). Derivatives of the type are also in service in the navies of Brunei, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chief of Defence Force (Singapore)</span> Head of the Singapore Armed Forces

The Chief of Defence Force is the head of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), who holds the rank of Lieutenant-General or Vice-Admiral. The Chief of Defence Force also serves as the aide-de-camp to the president of Singapore. The current Chief of Defence Force is Aaron Beng.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ng Chee Meng</span> Singaporean politician and former Chief of Defence Force

Ng Chee Meng is a Singaporean politician, union leader and former lieutenant-general who is a member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP) and has been serving as Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) since 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aloysius Pang</span> Singaporean actor (1990–2019)

Aloysius Pang Wei Chong was a Singaporean actor managed under NoonTalk Media, best known for his involvement in multiple Mediacorp dramas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melvyn Ong</span> Singaporean military officer

Melvyn Ong Su Kiat is a Singaporean retired lieutenant-general who served as Chief of Defence Force between 2018 and 2023.

The SAF Day Parade is an annual military parade and ceremony of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) held on 1 July in commemoration of the founding of the SAF. It is the second military parade in seniority to be held in Singapore next to the Singapore National Day Parade on 9 August. It is usually held at the SAFTI Military Institute in Jurong West, with the presence of the president of Singapore. Salutes are also taken by the prime minister of Singapore, and the chief of Defence Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poh Li San</span> Singaporean politician and businesswoman

Poh Li San is a Singaporean politician and businesswoman. A member of the governing People's Action Party (PAP), she has been the Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Sembawang West division of Sembawang GRC since 2020.

References

  1. ↑ "Enlistment Act (Chapter 93)". Singapore Statutes Online. Archived from the original on 28 November 2015.
  2. ↑ Essential (Incitement Against National Service) Regulations( Cap. 90,Rg 8, 1990 Rev. Ed. ), section 2
  3. ↑ Mesenas, Clement (22 January 1969). "Hornet death: 'A need for resident doctor in camps'". The Straits Times. p. 9. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  4. ↑ "CO12038 | Making Things Right: Retrospective Honours for Distinguished Act - RSIS". www.rsis.edu.sg. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  5. ↑ "Soldier died after iron piece pierced his throat". The Straits Times. 7 May 1983. p. 10. Archived from the original on 4 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  6. ↑ "Soldier dies". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 4 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020– via National Library Board.
  7. 1 2 "Open verdict recorded on NS man found dead". The Straits Times. 13 September 1983. Archived from the original on 16 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  8. ↑ Ang, Benson (10 January 2016). "Places in Singapore with a dark past". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
  9. ↑ "Soldier dies in training". Singapore Monitor (2nd ed.). 10 April 1984. p. 2. Archived from the original on 3 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  10. ↑ "Committee to probe army recruit's death". The Straits Times. 15 April 1984. p. 8. Archived from the original on 4 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  11. ↑ "Recruit dies in training". The Straits Times. 20 April 1984. p. 11. Archived from the original on 21 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  12. ↑ "Soldier buried alive". The Straits Times. 3 April 1987. p. 13. Archived from the original on 2 October 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  13. ↑ Boey, David (17 June 2008). "Taking stock, not letting down its guard". The Straits Times. p. 20.
  14. ↑ "NSF dies after run". The Straits Times. 20 February 1994. p. 24.
  15. ↑ "CO12038 | Making Things Right: Retrospective Honours for Distinguished Act - RSIS". www.rsis.edu.sg. Archived from the original on 9 September 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  16. ↑ "NSMan killed by lightning strike". eresources.nlb.gov.sg.
  17. ↑ "Training death: NSF admits to rash act, The Straits Times, page 40". eresources.nlb.gov.sg. 19 June 1997. Archived from the original on 15 September 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  18. ↑ "The 155mm gun wowitzer chamber explosion on 9 Mar 97 in new ..." (PDF). www.nas.gov.sg. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  19. ↑ "SAF captain killed when vehicle he was travelling in hit a tree". NAS. 12 December 1999. Archived from the original on 27 July 2020.
  20. ↑ "Onwards and Upwards: Celebrating 40 years of the Republic of Singapore Navy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  21. ↑ "NSF man collapses and dies" . Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "Death of a national serviceman" (PDF). www.nas.gov.sg. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 May 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  23. ↑ "Death of a Full-Time National Serviceman" (PDF). Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  24. ↑ Cheong, Yvonne (8 June 2004). "4 SAF commandos charged over death of NSman". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
  25. ↑ ""Update on Deaths of Regular Serviceman and Foreign Serviceman." News release" (PDF). Singapore Ministry of Defence. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
  26. ↑ "Recruit dies after walk". 10 June 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  27. ↑ Ee, Jamie (15 June 2008). "Are the youth of today less rugged?". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  28. ↑ "RSAF pilot trainee collapses, dies during training in Brunei". AsiaOne. 12 June 2008. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  29. ↑ "Soldier dies while doing chin ups". www.asiaone.com. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  30. ↑ "2008Sep30-News-Releases-02493". www.mindef.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  31. ↑ "SAF Commando killed during overseas exercise". AsiaOne. 22 May 2009. Archived from the original on 28 May 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
  32. ↑ Ng, Julia; Chan, Wayne. "NSF dies in in-camp accident" (PDF). www.smu.edu.sg. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  33. ↑ "SAF captain charged over rash act causing NSF's death". The Straits Times. 1 November 2018. Archived from the original on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  34. ↑ "NSF who died had heart condition". AsiaOne. Archived from the original on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  35. ↑ "Five servicemen who died this year". AsiaOne. 15 May 2012. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  36. ↑ "SAF suspends training with smoke grenades". asiaone.com. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  37. ↑ Choo, Deborah (11 May 2012). "SAF suspends all field training after latest NSF death". sg.news.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  38. ↑ "Body of missing NSF in Brunei found". sg.news.yahoo.com. 12 August 2012. Archived from the original on 16 September 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  39. ↑ "NSman dies in freak incident during in-camp training". AsiaOne. 27 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 July 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2019.
  40. ↑ "NSF death: Armoured vehicle lands on side while getting out of difficult terrain, says MINDEF". Channel NewsAsia. 16 September 2017. Archived from the original on 27 November 2017. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  41. ↑ "Singapore Army officer dies in armoured vehicle crash on Queensland coast". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 16 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  42. ↑ Hong, Jose (1 May 2018). "Military funeral for 19-year-old NSF who died after heatstroke". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  43. ↑ "Death of a Singapore Armed Forces Full-time National Serviceman". www.mindef.gov.sg (Press release). 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  44. ↑ Tang, Louisa (4 November 2018). "SAF training incident: Friends mourn 'cheerful, hardworking and easygoing' NSF". Today. Archived from the original on 5 November 2018. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  45. ↑ "Full-time national serviceman dies after accident with Bionix during training". Channel NewsAsia. 3 November 2018.
  46. ↑ "Actor Aloysius Pang succumbs to injuries sustained during military reservist training in New Zealand". Yahoo! Singapore. 24 January 2019. Archived from the original on 24 January 2019. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.