Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang dies following military training accident in New Zealand
14:23, Jan 24 2019
ALOYSIUS PANG/INSTAGRAM
Aloysius Pang has died while training in New Zealand.
Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang has died following an accident during a military training exercise in New Zealand.
A police spokesman said the death was being investigated on behalf of the coroner.
The 28-year-old actor sustained serious injuries to his chest and abdomen on Saturday while carrying out repairs inside a Singapore self-propelled Howitzer at the Waiouru training area, south of Taupō.
Pang was taken to Waikato Hospital, where Dr Teo Li Tserng, Chief of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at Singapore's Tan Tock Seng Hospital, was flown in to assist the local team.
"Despite surgical attempts to repair damaged organs and putting him on artificial life support, CFC (NS) Pang succumbed to the injuries and passed away," the Singapore Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.
ALOYSIUS PANG/INSTAGRAM
Aloysius Pang won Best Newcomer at the 2015 Star Awards, held annually in Singapore.
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An independent Committee of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances leading to the incident.
Pang's family shared their grief on his Instagram account this morning, writing: "Throughout the past few days in the hospital, it has been a difficult time for us. Every news that were brought upon us since his last op was devastating, with little signs of hope on his recovery."
"We all broke down when the medical team spoke to us that his condition is worsening and we should be prepared for the worst. We're going to lose a brother. And my parents are going to lose their precious son whom is only 28. Thus I seek everybody's kind understanding that we are unable to comment further during these precarious time."
Pang was doing repairs inside the Howitzer, a motorised piece of artillery that looks similar to a small tank, when he was injured, the ministry said.
The New Zealand Defence Force said its soldiers were not involved when the incident occurred.
"The soldier was taking part in Exercise Thunder Warrior which is an annual live-firing exercise held in Waiouru," a Defence spokeswoman said.
"The New Zealand Defence Force hosts Exercise Thunder Warrior and provides administrative support and liaison officers but was not taking part in this year's exercise."
A medical officer at Waiouru assessed him around 2:30pm on Saturday, before he was sent to the Waiouru Camp Medical Centre for further treatment.
By 4:10pm, the Singapore Defence Ministry said a helicopter had arrived to take Pang to hospital, where he spent more than five and a half hours in surgery.
The Singapore Armed Forces was making arrangements to have his body brought back home.
Pang was known for his work in the films
Young & Fabulous, Timeless Love, and an assortment of TV series.
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