Man hit by bullet in restricted area near SAF live-firing exercise
A man was injured in his back by a bullet and sought medical assistance at a hospital, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on June 16.
The 42-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound on June 15 and a bullet slug was lodged in his left lower back, the police said on June 16.
His injury is not life-threatening, added the police, with the man currently in a stable condition after surgery to remove the bullet.
The man had been cycling with his friends at around 11.40am on June 15 within a restricted area of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) - between the Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs - that was gazetted for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing, said a Mindef spokesman.
His friends took him to the National University Hospital.
An SAF authorised live-firing exercise at its Nee Soon Range was ongoing about 2.3km from the site where the man was injured.
Live-firing activities at the range have been suspended.
Under the Military Manoeuvres Act, unauthorised individuals are not allowed to enter gazetted areas designated for SAF live-firing for their own safety, said Mindef.
The area has signs warning against unauthorised entry, said the police.
The CCNR is Singapore's largest nature reserve, with more than 2,000ha of forest land and over 20km of trails, according to the National Parks Board (NParks).
Investigations by the police and SAF are ongoing. No foul play is suspected.
An avid cyclist, who did not want to be named, said the Woodcutter's Trail - which cuts across the CCNR and is within the restricted live-firing area - is popular with experienced riders looking for steep hills.
Cyclists typically start from Chestnut Nature Park, off Bukit Panjang, and ride 6km to get to the trail, usually exiting it near Mandai Crematorium or Seletar Reservoir, he said.
The cycling trail corresponds with the description of the restricted area where the cyclist was injured on June 15.
"Cyclists are aware that some areas in the reserve are military areas, and I have come across soldiers doing their exercises. They usually make way for us," said the cyclist, adding that riders have even hit the trail at night. "There were also some cyclists who were stopped by NParks officials as they left the trail. Some cyclists turn back to ride uphill to Chestnut Nature Park to escape enforcement action."
Another cyclist, who also did not want to be named, said he has been biking on the trail for some 17 years.
"It is worrying because, while illegal due to NParks regulations, this trail is frequented by hikers, runners and cyclists," he said, adding that there are signs warning against entering the area. He said he had encountered soldiers on multiple occasions while using the trail.
During a visit to Chestnut Nature Park on June 16, The Straits Times saw clear signs demarcating the restricted areas.
The park has two designated trails for hiking and one for mountain biking, as well as obstacle courses for cyclists. The trails are open daily from 7am to 7pm.
A group of hikers there, all of whom declined to be named, said they were unaware that there were restricted areas in the park. They added that they were hiking there for the first time.
In response to ST's queries, NParks said visitors to nature reserves and nature parks should stay on the designated trails for their own safety. These trails are identified by map boards, directional signs and trail markers.
"NParks takes enforcement action on visitors who disregard signs and choose to go off-trail. These visitors endanger their own safety and may also cause damage to sensitive habitats," said the spokesman.
In a statement to ST, the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) said it is not aware of the individual's identity, or the extent of his injury. "At SCF, safety is our top priority. We are committed to promoting responsible cycling practices and adhering to all safety guidelines and regulations. We strongly advise the cycling community to respect restricted areas and follow designated routes to ensure their safety and the safety of others," it said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Paper
an hour ago
- New Paper
Certis officer, 47, dies after collapsing at NDP rehearsal
A Certis auxiliary police officer died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) on June 21. The 47-year-old man was from the OneChangi contingent for the parade and ceremony segment of NDP 2025. He was an employee of Certis, said the security firm's spokesman Robin Goh in response to queries from The Straits Times. Certis is one of nine companies in the OneChangi contingent. Mindef and CAG said the incident happened at 11.23am. The man was immediately taken to the on-site medical post and, upon arriving at 11.26am, was attended to by the medical officer on duty. The man was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately, but he remained unresponsive. At about 11.40am, he was transferred to a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ambulance on standby to be taken to Singapore General Hospital, where he arrived just before noon. Efforts to resuscitate the man continued on the way to the hospital. The man was pronounced dead at about 12.20pm, said Mindef and CAG. "Changi Airport Group and the NDP 2025 executive committee are in contact with the family and providing full support during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family," they said. Mr Goh said Certis is working closely with Mindef and CAG to provide the man's family with support and assistance. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the officer's family and loved ones during this difficult time," he added. The police said based on preliminary investigations, they do not suspect foul play. Investigations are ongoing. CAG spokesman Ivan Tan said there are nine companies in the OneChangi contingent, including CAG, Certis, ground handler and in-flight caterer Sats, and Shilla Cosmetics and Perfumes. NDP 2025, which will be held on Aug 9 at the Padang and Marina Bay, will feature 17 other civilian contingents. Chua Chu Kang GRC MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, who is one of the NDP contingent commanders this year, wrote in a Facebook post on the evening of June 21: "I am grateful to the NDP committee, organisers, first responders and counsellors who responded with care, compassion and strength in a moment of deep sorrow for all of us; amidst the pomp of the parade and celebratory fireworks this evening."
CNA
20 hours ago
- CNA
Certis auxiliary police officer, 47, dies after collapsing during NDP rehearsal at Padang
SINGAPORE: A 47-year-old Certis auxiliary police officer has died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang on Saturday (Jun 21). The man, was part of the OneChangi contingent for the Parade and Ceremony segment. He collapsed at 11.23am at the end of a component rehearsal, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a joint media release. "He was immediately evacuated to the on-site medical post and arrived at 11.26am, where he was attended by the duty medical officer. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately," they added. The man remained unresponsive and was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces ambulance at 11.42am. "Resuscitation efforts continued en route to hospital", said MINDEF and CAG. He arrived at Singapore General Hospital at 11.57am and was pronounced dead at 12.19pm. Certis confirmed in a statement that the man was one of its employees. CNA understands that he worked at Changi Airport. "We are currently working closely with MINDEF and Changi Airport Group to further provide the officer's family with the necessary support and assistance," Certis spokesperson Robin Goh said in response to CNA's queries. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the officer's family and loved ones during this difficult time." The OneChangi contingent is made up of nine companies, including Certis and CAG. It is among the 18 civilian contingents participating in the NDP, which will be held on Aug 9 to mark Singapore's 60th birthday.
CNA
21 hours ago
- CNA
Certis employee, 47, dies after collapsing during NDP rehearsal at Padang
SINGAPORE: A 47-year-old Certis employee has died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang on Saturday (Jun 21). The man was part of the OneChangi contingent for the Parade and Ceremony segment. He collapsed at 11.23am at the end of a component rehearsal, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) said in a joint media release. "He was immediately evacuated to the on-site medical post and arrived at 11.26am, where he was attended by the duty medical officer. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately," they added. The man remained unresponsive and was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces ambulance at 11.42am. "Resuscitation efforts continued en route to hospital", said MINDEF and CAG. The man arrived at Singapore General Hospital at 11.57am and was pronounced dead at 12.19pm. The OneChangi contingent is made up of nine companies, including Certis and CAG. It is among the 18 civilian contingents participating in the NDP, which will be held on Aug 9 to mark Singapore's 60th birthday. "We are currently working closely with MINDEF and Changi Airport Group to further provide the officer's family with the necessary support and assistance," said Certis spokesperson Robin Goh.
