A 19-YEAR-OLD full-time National Serviceman has been arrested in connection with the death of Second Lieutenant Nicholas Chan Wei Kit.

The 21-year-old motor transport officer was pinned under a Land Rover after it rolled backwards and hit him while he was inspecting it at Seletar Camp last Friday.

It is believed that the soldier who was arrested was the driver of the vehicle and was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.

A recovery vehicle later lifted the vehicle off 2LT Chan. He died of his injuries in hospital.

Initial details surrounding 2LT Chan's death - such as whether the handbrake had been applied or wheel chocks put in place to prevent the vehicle from moving accidentally - were unclear.

But the youth, who is out on bail, was taken in by the police for causing death through a rash act and is currently assisting them. It is understood that he was arrested on the day of the incident after investigations.

It is not clear if the driver was also from Jurong Camp, like 2LT Chan.

The bereaved mother had said earlier her son could not have gone unaccompanied to collect the Land Rover as he did not have a driver's licence.

When contacted on Thursday, his younger cousin, Mr Reuben Leong, 20, said the father was aware there was someone else involved and had been updated on the developments. Neither parent would comment while investigations were under way, he added.

2LT Chan, a newly commissioned officer, was the only child of a homemaker and an engineer. Affectionately known as 'Nicky Boy', he was remembered by his family and friends for his 'cheeky and heartwarming' smile, and by his men for being a compassionate leader who put their needs first.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times.