A River Valley High School Singapore student was allegedly attacked and killed by another student on campus today (July 19) in a stabbing incident.
Shin Min Daily reported that the incident took place in the afternoon, further adding that the assailant had brought a sharp object to school and used it to attack the victim.
The school has now shared with parents that a “serious incident” has taken place involving one Secondary One boy.
“The case is now under police investigations and the police are being assisted by a Sec 4 boy,” the school added, as reported by The Straits Times.
River Valley High School Stabbing: Student Killed On Campus
Image courtesy: iStock
Based on the latest reports, it is believed that the crime took place before noon. In fact, few parents who spoke to the media, specifically The Straits Times shared that they received unnerving messages and phone calls from their kids between 11.30 and 12 noon.
One mother in particular shared that her daughter who is in Sec 3 called her around noon and was sobbing on the phone.
She added that while the child wasn’t aware of the imminent threat, she was taken to another classroom where she was placed in the safety of other teachers.
The staff that spoke to the media shared that the school was to go on a lunch break at 1pm, but students were asked to stay in their respective classrooms.
Here’s a timeline of what transpired in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
1 pm: A crime scene investigation van, four police vehicles, and an ambulance were seen at the Boon Lay Avenue school compound at around 1pm, according to latest report.
2 pm: The school had closed its back gate. But around 2pm they allowed students who needed to leave the campus to get out. The rest of the students were reportedly being briefed by the staff in the school hall
3 pm: It was only around 3pm that the rest of the students were allowed to leave the school campus. Many parents were also seen waiting to pick up their wards.
3.30pm: At about 3.30pm, a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) van arrived at the scene with their forensic team.
4.25pm: Education minister Chan Chun Sing, released a statement saying his ministry is working closely with Singapore Police Force (SPF) on investigations on this case.
“We are all shocked to receive news of the tragic incident at River Valley High School this morning,” he stated in a Facebook post, adding that the safety of the child was paramount.
“We are working closely with
Singapore Police Force on the investigations, and they will be sharing more details on the case in due course.”
Mr Chan also wrote, “We are determined to work with parents and students to keep our schools safe and have our children grow up and learn together in a trusted environment.”
Read his full post below:
Teenager Arrested For Involvement In The Death Of The Sec 1 Boy
As per the press release shared by the Police a 16-year-old boy has been arrested for his involvement in the death of the 13-year-old boy.
Reportedly, the police received a phone call at around 11.40am. The call was for assistance at 6 Boon Lay Avenue. Upon their arrival, the officers found the Sec 1, 13-year-old teenager lying motionless in the toilet.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the two male teenagers are not known to each other,” said the Police.
He is said to have received multiple injuries and thus, had multiple wounds on his body. The boy was declared dead by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedic, on scene.
At the moment, the Police are investigating the motive of the case and have also seized an axe at the premises.
As they stated in their release, “Notwithstanding the preliminary findings and the arrest of the teenager, the Police are continuing their investigations into the motive for the assault. An axe was also seized as case exhibit.”
They added, “The Police will be charging the 16-year-old in court on 20 July 2021 with murder, with a view to seeking an order from the court to remand the teenager for psychiatric assessment.”
Since further investigations are still pending, the Police have also requested the public to refrain from further speculation.
Read the full police release here.
Note: This is a developing story and more details are awaited. Please refresh to check the latest updates.
Tragedy In Singapore
Unfortunately, this is not the first time a student has died on campus.
Image courtesy: iStock
A 15-year-student dies after fall
Earlier this year, a 15-year-old Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) student participating in a high element activity had a fall.
Police stated that the 15-year-old boy had “purportedly lost his footing” while he participated in the activity, but he remained suspended by his safety harness. However, soon lost consciousness when he was lowered to the ground.
He was taken to the hospital, but he died two days later.
Secondary school student dies during a run
A secondary school student of Chong Boon Secondary School collapsed right after he completed a run during his physical education lesson.
According to reports, he had hit his head on the ground near the school foyer after the school run.
Student dies after returning from a school trip
In a shocking incident, a student of Catholic High School student died from severe bouts of diarrhoea after returning from a school trip.
Upon returning to Singapore, after the week-long trip, the diarrhoea started. The 15-year-old suffered from vomiting, but he didn’t have a fever.
His mum wanted to take him to the hospital, but he suggested waiting till the next day. Unfortunately, he passed away on the same night.
Mental Health Organisations Singapore: Counselling Helplines
Following are some mental health helplines that you can approach for free counselling sessions. These provide in-person sessions and is helpful to those would prefer to talk over the phone or wish to get online counselling.
Care Corner Counselling Centre
Aimed at reaching out to needy, lower-income families, this non-profit social service organisation has 33 centres in Singapore. Their services are open to anyone who needs help and one can reach them on 1800-353 5800 for free Mandarin counselling.
Fei Yue eCounselling Centre
Youths can email their queries at [email protected] or visit www.ec2.sg for online counselling.
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
This is a 24-hours open suicide prevention helpline. Call on 1800-221 4444 to seek help if you have suicidal tendency.
Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
This helpline is available for all types of mental health-related help. Reach out to them at 1800-283 7019.
Tinkle Friend helpline (by Singapore Children’s Society)
This is an initiative for primary school children. You can call them on 1800-274 4788 (Monday to Friday, 2.30 pm to 5 pm) or chat online on www.tinklefriend.com.
News source: The Straits Times, Mothership, Shin Min Daily
Lead/feature image courtesy: Shin Min Daily.
With inputs from Jia Ling.
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