In a heartbreaking incident at the Yishun SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre, a 15-year-old student from Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) lost his life during a rope course activity. The volunteer instructor, Muhammad Nurul Hakim Mohamed Din, 23, faced a six-month jail sentence on January 15, 2024, for his role in the death of ACS(I) student.
Fatal Negligence Leading To The Death of ACS(I) student
Muhammad Nurul Hakim Mohamed Din’s lapse in judgment proved catastrophic for Jethro Puah Xin Yang. Hakim failed to conduct a physical check on Puah’s harness, leading to a horrifying chain of events. The boy’s leg loops came undone during the fall, causing the harness to tighten around his neck, ultimately resulting in suffocation.
Deviation from Protocol
On February 3, 2021, Puah and his schoolmates engaged in team-building activities at the sports centre. Hakim, a volunteer instructor with Camelot, overlooked proper safety procedures. Despite being tasked with conducting final equipment checks, Hakim visually inspected Puah’s harness instead of performing a physical check, a critical deviation from protocol.
Tragedy Unfolds: A Student’s Struggle
During the second obstacle course, Puah encountered difficulties and slipped, leaving him suspended by his malfunctioning harness. Despite efforts to secure him, Puah’s struggle for breath was evident. His condition worsened, leading to unconsciousness about eight minutes after the fall.
Inadequate Response and Consequences
Hakim’s attempts to rescue Puah proved futile, with the boy slipping off the harness. Even after reaching the ground, medical intervention couldn’t save Puah. Severe brain injury, a fractured neck bone, and multiorgan failure resulted in his tragic demise the following day.
Legal Proceedings on the Death of ACS(I) Student
Muhammad Nurul Hakim Mohamed Din faced legal consequences for his actions. His defence argued that Hakim’s poor split-second judgment should be considered in the context of a dynamic exercise. The defence expressed Hakim’s deep remorse, highlighting his continuous reflection on the incident and the impact of his actions on a young life.
The death of ACS(I) student Jethro Puah Xin Yang serves as a grim reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols, especially in adventurous activities involving young individuals.
Image from SAFRA Yishun Country Club
This tragedy highlights the profound consequences of neglecting even the simplest safety checks, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents in the future.
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