Update on Shoalwater Bay Training Area Incident

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Chan Hiang Cheng Gavin was involved in a vehicular incident at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia at 1815hrs (SG time) on 15 Sep 2017. 3SG Chan was the vehicle commander of a BIONIX Infantry Fighting Vehicle taking part in a unilateral military training exercise. He was guiding the vehicle out of difficult terrain when the vehicle landed on its side. 3SG Chan was found unconscious next to the vehicle. The driver and two other passengers travelling in the vehicle were unhurt.

An SAF medic commenced immediate resuscitation efforts, and was joined shortly by two SAF medical officers who delivered onsite medical treatment. 3SG Chan was then evacuated via an SAF helicopter to Rockhampton Airport during which resuscitation efforts continued, before being transferred by local ambulance to Rockhampton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 2236hrs (SG time).

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has made necessary arrangements for 3SG Chan's next of kin to be flown to Australia. They arrived earlier this morning, and were accompanied by family-liaison officers from the SAF.

Following the incident, the Army has declared a safety pause for all SAF units in Shoalwater Bay Training Area. Training and safety management plans are being reviewed, to ensure that all appropriate safety measures are in place before training is allowed to continue.

MINDEF and the SAF extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late 3SG Chan. MINDEF and the SAF are assisting the family in their time of grief and are continuing our investigations.