Actor dies training in NZ
Singaporean actor Aloysius Pang has died during military training in New Zealand.
A police spokesman said the death was being investigated on behalf of the coroner. WorkSafe was aware of the incident. The Singaporean Government also launched an investigation.
The 28-year-old actor suffered injuries to his chest and abdomen on Saturday, while carrying out repairs inside a Singaporean self-propelled Howitzer.
He had been training at the Waiouru Army Camp, south of Taupo¯ , as part of Singapore’s compulsory military service.
Pang’s family and girlfriend Jayley Woo arrived in New Zealand before he died at Waikato Hospital on Wednesday night.
Woo, who is also an actor, wrote an emotional note to her dead partner.
In the early hours of yesterday morning, Woo shared her grief in a letter to her dead boyfriend.
‘‘In this life, I did not have the good fortune to become your wife. Let’s get married in the next life,’’ she reportedly wrote, on Instagram.
‘‘You’ll always be a part of me, my man.’’
The couple had planned to keep their relationship secret until they were married, Woo said.
Woo’s twin sister, Hayley, said on social media that Pang had planned to propose to Jayley before he turned 31.
Asia One reported that they had already started to save for their wedding.
‘‘Why did you leave me behind without a word,’’ Jayley Woo reportedly wrote on Instagram.
Singapore’s army regularly uses Waiouru to train its soldiers but its training of conscripted soldiers in New Zealand has not been without problems.
In 1997, two soldiers died and 12 were injured when a Singapore Howitzer misfired and exploded. A 155mm artillery round exploded in the barrel of the FH-2000 Howitzer, according to reports.
It was unclear what happened in the incident that killed Pang.
The Singapore Defence Ministry said he was injured while undertaking repairs inside the Howitzer, a motorised piece of artillery that looks similar to a small tank.
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 Force 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 Pang about 2.30pm on Saturday, before he was sent to the Waiouru Camp Medical Centre for further treatment. ‘‘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 said.