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NSF, 21, died while guiding vehicle out of difficult terrain, next-of-kin in Australia

SINGAPORE — A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman was killed in a vehicular incident at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia at 6.15pm on Friday (Sept 15) night.

The Singapore Armed Forces' Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicle manoeuvring at Exercise Wallaby. Photo: MINDEF

The Singapore Armed Forces' Bionix II Infantry Fighting Vehicle manoeuvring at Exercise Wallaby. Photo: MINDEF

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SINGAPORE — A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time National Serviceman was killed in a vehicular incident at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia at 6.15pm on Friday (Sept 15) night.

Third Sergeant (3SG) Chan Hiang Cheng Gavin, 21, was a Vehicle Commander from the 41st Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment.

He was guiding a Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicle out of difficult terrain — as part of Exercise Wallaby — 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, according to an update by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Saturday (Sept 16). 

Mindef has also 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.

Exercise Wallaby, now into its 27th year, is an annual millitary exercise involving the Singapore Armed Forces armour units and the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

An SAF medic commenced resuscitation efforts on 3SG Chan, who was then unconscious.

He was then evacuated via a helicopter to Rockhampton Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at around 10.36pm.

Mindef said that an investigation of the incident is ongoing. It also added that a safety pause on training in Shoalwater Bay Training Area has taken effect.

"The Ministry of Defence and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late serviceman and are assisting the family in this time of grief," Mindef said.

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