SCDF full-time NSF dies after getting into pump well during ORD “celebration”

Unfortunately, CPL Kok did not resurface. A number of SCDF personnel jumped into the pump well to locate CPL Kok, however, they were unsuccessful.

CPL Kok was eventually pulled out from the well after the water had been drained. 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.

CPL Kok was then pronounced dead at the hospital.

SCDF stated that the Police are conducting investigations, on what had happened, including how CPL Kok fell into the pump well, and whether any persons are criminally responsible.

Based on preliminary investigations, SCDF said that its regular personnel have been placed under arrest on Monday.

SCDF stated that a Board of Inquiry will also be convened to look into the case and full details will be made public in due course.

SCDF stressed that it is saddened by his death and extends our deepest condolences to his family, adding, "We are providing all necessary assistance to the family during this difficult time."

Based on preliminary investigations, SCDF said that it appears that the mishap arose as a result of activities which SCDF has prohibited. 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. They are also warned by their Commanders," it said.

"SCDF also has a whistle-blowing programme in place to help identify irresponsible behaviour. SCDF will be conducting briefings in all its fire stations and bases, and check again whether there were any such activities in the recent past," it added.

The New Paper reported that even though such celebration is prohibited by the authority, it still happens occasionally.

The celebration, known as ragging or hazing, varies from not harmful activities, such as pinning somebody down and applying boot polish to their skin, to extreme acts, such as jumping into the pool.

Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam commented on the incident, pledging to get to the bottom of the incident.

He said, "The facts I've been given so far, they make it quite clear that conduct was quite wrong of some of the people involved. It was in clear violation of SCDF’s rules, it should not have happened, unacceptable, period."

However, the minister declined to give any further detail on the incident, saying that facts will come out.

"I’ve also asked SCDF to do an audit. Any other evidence of such conduct, take action, because we have to send a clear message. When conduct which is not sanctioned has taken place, celebration or otherwise, action has been taken, but then after awhile people forget and then break the rules again," he said.

Reporters then asked Mr Shanmugam if CPL Kok had participated in an unauthorised activity.

Responding to this Mr Shanmugam said it would be inappropriate to comment at the risk of not being complete and accurate', saying, "As you can see, two regular officers are under arrest," he said. "It’s likely that there will be charges pressed in court. They will have a right to defend themselves."

SCDF deputy commissioner (DC) Chong Hoi Hung said SCDF does not condone unauthorised activities and will take the officers to task if they are found to have broken the rules, adding, "We have been telling our commanders to brief the men properly to ensure that they do not undertake such unauthorised activities."

"At the onset itself, when our men come into the SCDF, when they undergo training, they have been briefed and told not to. After they have been posted to the units, there are constant reminders by the commanders to warn them of such unauthorised activities," he said.

This incident happened only two weeks after the death of Full-time National Serviceman, Private (PTE) Lee Han Xuan Dave, 19, a Guardsman from the 1st Battalion Singapore Guards, passed away on Monday (30 April) at 5.32 pm at Changi General Hospital (CGH) where he was warded for 18 days since 18 April after showing signs of heat injury following an 8 kilometres fast march.