Update on Training Incident at Exercise Thunder Warrior

At approximately 1405hrs (SG time) on 19 January 2019 (Saturday), a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Operationally Ready National Serviceman, Corporal First Class (National Service) [CFC (NS)] Pang Wei Chong, Aloysius, 28, was carrying out repair works inside the Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer (SSPH) at Waiouru Training Area, New Zealand when he sustained injuries to his chest and abdominal areas. 

CFC (NS) Pang underwent abdominal surgery on the same evening at Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, which was completed at 2340hrs (SG time). A follow-up relook surgery which was planned for was successfully completed at 1100hrs (SG time) today. A medical team from Singapore is working with the New Zealand team to provide the best possible care for CFC (NS) Pang.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has made arrangements for CFC (NS) Pang's next of kin to be flown to New Zealand. CFC (NS) Pang's mother has visited CFC (NS) Pang and spoken to him in hospital; his father and brother will arrive this evening (SG time). They were accompanied by family liaison officers from the SAF. 

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. 

MINDEF and the SAF are assisting CFC (NS) Pang's family during this period.

More Resources

Operationally Ready National Serviceman Injured at Overseas Exercise

Update 2 on Training Incident at Exercise Thunder Warrior

Death of a Singapore Armed Forces Operationally Ready National Serviceman – CDF to chair press conference to present preliminary findings

Body of Late CFC(NS) Pang Wei Chong, Aloysius Accorded Honours on Arrival in Singapore. A Military Funeral to be Held.