Tragic Drop at Tuas View: SCDF Serviceman’s Unexpected Dive
On a night that was supposed to be all about celebration and cheers for a national serviceman’s Operationally‑Ready Date (ORD), something went terribly wrong at the Tuas View Fire Station in Singapore.
What Went Wrong?
Corporal Kok Yuen Chin was slated to hit the milestone that night. The festivities included a somewhat unwise idea: dunking the corp into the station’s pump well—a water reservoir used for training the fire engines and testing those machine‑powered bullies.
After the splash, Kok didn’t surface as expected. A rescue team, armed with water‑eyes and a generous spirit, dove in to look for him but the water was a secretive opponent. When they pulled the well dry, they found the corp—unconscious—hanging onto the very bottom.
Rapid Response, but Too Late
- Immediate CPR was performed by a paramedic, the fate of an ambulance and an automated external defibrillator all lined up in a desperate charge to revive him.
- Despite the heroic effort, the corp was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
Who Lost Their Cool?
In the days that followed, the police zeroed in on two regular personnel from the SCDF. The investigation is trying to untangle the mystery of how this splash could have resulted in such a tragedy and whether any of them should be held criminally responsible.
SCDF’s Response
The SCDF, shaken by the loss, convened a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident thoroughly. They assured the public that the official findings would come out shortly.
From their statement:
“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.”
Preliminary findings hint that the ill‑fated activity was against official policy—an error that has previously led to disciplinary action. To avoid a repeat, the SCDF plans a series of safety briefings across all fire stations, insists on stricter command oversight, and ramps up a whistle‑blowing program to spot irresponsible behavior early.
Take‑Away Lesson
This incident serves as a stark reminder that celebrations should stay safe, and that rules—especially in high‑risk settings—must be respected. In the end, we hope the grieving family finds some peace while the SCDF uses this loss to fortify training protocols.
For more updates, we’ll keep the community posted as the Board of Inquiry unfolds its findings.
