1.     The two SAF servicemen warded overnight at the Intensive Care Unit of the Taipei Tri-service Hospital were flown back to Singapore this evening. They are now warded in Singapore General Hospital, where they will continue to receive treatment for their burns and injuries.

2.     The two Full-time National Servicemen, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Ramakrishnan Karthigayan, 23 and Lance Corporal (LCP) Chow Han Min, Calvin, 19 were brought back to Singapore by a RSAF KC-135 aircraft specially equipped for medical evacuation. The aircraft arrived at Paya Lebar Air Base at 5.28 p.m. Members of the SAF medical team, including a burns specialist and a medical aviation expert, augmented by specialist staff and life support systems from Alexandra Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the National University Hospital, were on board the aircraft to monitor the condition of the two soldiers throughout the flight.

3.     Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean visited both servicemen at the hospital this evening.  Minister Teo also met with the relatives of the servicemen to assure them of MINDEF's and the SAF's support during this difficult time.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

12 MAY 2007 2000 HOURS