A casual day out cycling turned into a harrowing experience for a 42-year-old man who suffered a gunshot wound in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The incident unfolded on Sunday, 15 June 2024, while he was cycling with friends between Upper Seletar Reservoir and Upper Peirce Reservoir.
Incident Details
The man was biking in a restricted area marked for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) live-firing activities when he was shot. This unfortunate event occurred around 11.40am, and he was rushed to the National University Hospital (NUH) by his friends after the injury.
Medical Status
According to a police news release, a bullet was lodged in his left lower back, but thankfully, his injuries are not life-threatening. The man has since undergone surgery to remove the bullet slug and is reported to be in stable condition.
Safety Concerns
The Ministry of Defence and SAF have acknowledged the incident and confirmed that live-firing activities at the nearby Nee Soon 500m Range, situated about 2.3km from the cycling location, have been temporarily suspended as a precaution. Authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to the Military Manoeuvres Act, which prohibits unauthorised access to areas designated for such activities.
Investigation Underway
- The police were alerted to the incident at about 11.55am on the same day.
- Preliminary investigations indicated no suspicion of foul play.
- SAF is cooperating with police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the injury.
As Singaporeans, it’s vital to respect safety regulations—especially in areas designated for live-firing. After all, enjoying nature and staying safe should go hand in hand!