Yet another young life has been lost.
On 13 May 2018, at about 9.20 pm, SCDF NSF CPL Kok Yuen Chin, from Tuas View Fire Station, was found unconscious at the bottom of the fire station’s pump well.
According to the SCDF, “CPL Kok had been celebrating his impending ORD with his squad mates, and one of the activities involved getting him into the pump well.”
Sadly, he never resurfaced.
“CPL Kok was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
“Based on preliminary investigations, it appears that the mishap arose as a result of activities which SCDF has prohibited.”
Two SCDF personnel arrested
The SCDF writes that SCDF personnel who jumped into the pump well to locate CPL Kok were unsuccessful. The water then had to be drained to locate him and pull him out.
By then, it was too late.
“Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was immediately administered by a paramedic, followed by the use of an automated external defibrillator. CPL Kok was then conveyed by ambulance to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.”
He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Police are conducting investigations, and 2 SCDF regular personnel have been placed under arrest on 14 May 2018.
“SCDF is saddened by his death and extends our deepest condolences to his family. We are providing all necessary assistance to the family during this difficult time.”
“A Committee of Inquiry will also be convened to look into the case, and full details will be made public in due course.”
SCDF NSF dies after suspected ragging
According to The New Paper, the young man was made to participate in ragging, as part of his impending operationally ready date (ORD), to mark his final duty.
Apparently, this usually involves relatively harmless acts such as pinning somebody down and applying boot polish to their skin, to more extreme acts such as throwing someone into a pool.
In the case, the NSF was allegedly thrown into the pump well.
The SCDF stresses, “Severe punishments and deterrent action have been meted out in the past to personnel who engaged in unauthorised activities.”
“We continually educate our personnel, including during their foundation courses, briefings at recruit and specialist levels, as well as at periodic intervals, to make clear to our officers the risks of such activities and that they are prohibited.”
The tragedy comes just 2 weeks after the death of another NSF, Corporal First Class Dave Lee Han Xuan, due to heat stroke.
theAsianparent extends heartfelt condolences to the family of CPL Kok. May justice prevail.
Also READ: Girl who died in car crash in Singapore had written about own funeral
(Soutrce: The New Paper, The Straits Times)