Friday, January 28, 2011

First SAF training death for 2011

The longest fatality-free period enjoyed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ended today with the death of Lance Corporal Wee Yong Choon Eugin.

It is deeply disturbing to learn that the SAF has to learn the hard way that reversing vehicles with a blind spot always need a marshal.

Also, the news release should contain the age of the deceased serviceman.

My heart goes out to his family. You can only imagine how they will feel with Chinese New Year around the corner.


Death of Full-Time National Serviceman

Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence
Posted: 28 Jan 2011, 1250 hours (Time is GMT +8 hours)

A full-time National Serviceman (NSF), Lance Corporal (LCP) Wee Yong Choon Eugin, a Signal Operator, was hit by a truck driven by another serviceman in Jurong Camp 1 at about 7.00am on 28 Jan 2011. LCP Wee was about to unload stores from the back of the truck when it reversed into him.

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) medic attended to LCP Wee immediately. At 7.05am, an ambulance was activated to evacuate LCP Wee to the National University Hospital (NUH). He was sent to the hospital at 7.15am and arrived at NUH at about 7.45am. LCP Wee was pronounced dead at 7.59am.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late LCP Wee. MINDEF is assisting the family in their time of grief and is investigating the incident.

Last updated on 28 Jan 2011
Find this article at:
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/content/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2011/jan/28jan11_nr2.html

4 comments:

zjz said...

R.I.P.

goat89 said...

RIP :(

Anonymous said...

actually that is a good point. i was under the impression that safety regulations in the SAF state that the vehicle commander has to alight and guide the driver when reversing. i assume that was not done in this case.

Anonymous said...

even w/out a commander to guide, normal safety norms for heavy vehicles are probably not taught to drivers.

basics are,

1. driver must diembark to check rear of vehicle and under vehicle.

2. sounds horn for a few seconds b4 reversing.

were the above done?