SINGAPORE: Aloysius Pang, who was seriously hurt during a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) training exercise in New Zealand, now requires artificial life support of his lungs, kidneys and heart, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday (Jan 23).

"Corporal First Class (NS) Pang’s condition is very serious and presently he needs artificial life support of his lungs, kidneys and heart," Dr Ng wrote in a Facebook post.





The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) had said in a statement earlier on Wednesday that Pang is in critical condition.

The 28-year-old actor's condition worsened and he had to undergo another surgery, the ministry said, adding that the surgery was completed on Tuesday at 11.54pm (Singapore time).

"His condition is critical and he is being managed in the intensive care unit,” said MINDEF.

Dr Teo Li Tserng, the chief of trauma and acute care surgery at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday morning. He is working with the medical team at Waikato Hospital, where Pang is being treated, to care for him.





According to Dr Teo, surgeons and other staff at the regional trauma centre are "doing all they possibly can to keep up the support" and improve Pang's condition, wrote Dr Ng.

"Coincidentally, the head surgeon responsible for CFC (NS) Pang’s care and Dr Teo know each other, having participated in international conferences together," added the minister.

"This rapport is useful, and I told Dr Teo to convey Singapore’s appreciation to the doctors and staff there for their untiring efforts, and to let us know if there is anything else they need to help CFC (NS) Pang."



"The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces continue to provide support to Pang's family," MINDEF said.



Pang was on reservist training when the accident happened on Saturday at about 2pm Singapore time.



The actor sustained injuries to his chest and abdominal areas while carrying out repair works inside a Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer. He underwent abdominal surgery at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, and was placed in a high dependency unit.



“I know there are friends who are deeply concerned about Aloysius’ condition," manager Dasmond Koh wrote on Instagram.

“Despite a successful second operation, his condition took a turn for the worse a few hours later. He’s had to undergo another surgery and is now in the Intensive Care Unit.

“Dr Teo Li Tserng and a medical team from Singapore are with us. Together with the team here, they are keeping a close watch over Aloysius.

“Everyone’s waiting for Aloysius to get better. Please don’t ask for pictures. We understand you are concerned, but please give us some space at this time. I will get back to you with more news.”



The SAF operationally ready national serviceman, who holds the rank of Corporal First Class (National Service), was participating in Exercise Thunder Warrior.



The exercise, conducted annually since 1997, is an artillery live-firing exercise held at the Waiouru Training Area in New Zealand.

This year's exercise, which runs from Jan 5 to Feb 2, involves more than 500 personnel from the 268th and 24th Battalions, Singapore Artillery.

