Wednesday, May 20, 2009

SAF serviceman killed in parachute jump

Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, May 21 SINGAPORE: A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) regular serviceman was killed during a parachute freefall training session in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday.


The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said First Warrant Officer (1WO) Tan Poh Eng was part of a six—man team that jumped off a Republic of Singapore Air Force C—130 aircraft at a height of 12500 feet to conduct a formation jump.

When the formation broke off at 3500 feet to deploy their parachutes, 1WO Tan, 53, spiralled downwards to the ground.

He was found unconscious at about 4.45pm (Singapore time), and given immediate medical attention by an SAF doctor and a medic on—site.

1WO Tan was heli—evacuated at 5.15pm and arrived at about 5.35pm at the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.

The parachute jump instructor from the Commando Training Institute was pronounced dead at 5.57pm in the hospital.

Mindef and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late 1WO Tan and is investigating the incident. All SAF freefall training has been temporarily suspended.

No comments: