Singaporean soldier killed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 675, 25 February 1997, Page 3

Singaporean soldier killed

A Singaporean soldier, Staff Sergeant Lee Guek Sin, was killed in Waiouru on Friday when a Landrover, driven by another Singaporean soldier, rolled and overturned when retuming from a military exercise. The incident has been investigated by Waiouru police as well as the NZ Army's own military police and, according to Constable Mark Lucas the cause of the accident is now known. Four soldiers were in the Landrover when it rolled. One solider was air-lifted to Palmerston North Hospital with what were originally thought to be serious injuries, though these were later diagnosed as "bad

bruising" and he will be released soon. The two other soldiers (also Singaporean) suffered only minor injuries and were treated in Waiouru. A Singaporean investigation unit is coming to New Zealand to hold its own inquiry but it has not yet been decided if a prosecution would be held under New Zealand or Singaporean jurisdiction if it shown charges be brought. The 150-strong Singaporean artillery contingent have been exercising in New Zealand since 10 February and are due to leave on 3 April. Staff Sergeant Sin's body will be flown back to Singapore as soon as possible.