Think the“Celebration” was a Party? Here’s the Brutal Reality
Sympathy hearts: On May 13, 2024, the beloved CPL Kok Yuen Chin (age 22) turned a simple toast to a solemn tragedy at the Tuas View Fire Station.
The “Cake‑and‑Plaque” Party
- Location: The station’s watch room, from 8:40 pm to 9:04 pm.
- Participants: 23 brave SCDF teammates.
- What went down? A cake, a plaque, and a toast to a soon‑to‑be Operationally Ready Date on 16 May.
The Well‑Being Twist
After the cake, some teammates decided to add a splash of “adventure” – literally. They carried CPL Kok (he’s a known non‑swimmer, per family) to the station’s pump well.
He sat on the edge of the well. Then, at 9:07 pm, a fellow officer backed him up and pushed him into the water.
Why We’re Still Shaken
- No resurfacing.
- Within 8 seconds, the first brave serviceman dove in, followed by others.
- Crawling, elbow‑rolling, and a full rescue attempt ensued.
In‑Depth Rescue Outline
- The team used a fire engine suction pump to drain water.
- They then dived deeper wearing respirators.
- Finally, one teammate located CPL Kok inside the well.
- They pulled him out using ropes, extracting him at 9:43 pm – that’s a 36‑minute ordeal.
Aftermath
- He was rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital – arrival: 10:13 pm.
- Paramedics attempted CPR but were sadly unsuccessful.
- He was pronounced dead at 11:02 pm, a tragic confirmation via an autopsy: drowning.
Takeaway: A celebratory moment spiraled into tragedy when a joke about a “pump‑well” adventure turned fatal. A stark reminder: never mix celebratory cakes with something that could be an infinite pool of regret.
