SINGAPORE - The body of the 21-year-old Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) full-time national serviceman who died at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia, was taken back to Singapore around 6pm on Tuesday (Sept 19).

The parents of the late 3rd Sergeant (3SG) Chan Hiang Cheng Gavin accompanied him on his journey home on an SAF plane, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement.

He will be accorded the honours of a military funeral, and the cremation ceremony will be held at Mandai Crematorium on Saturday (Sept 23).

3SG Chan, who was from 41st Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, was taking part in Exercise Wallaby, the SAF'S largest unilateral overseas drill, when the incident happened at around 6.15pm (Singapore time) on Friday.

3SG Chan was guiding a Bionix Infantry Fighting Vehicle out of difficult terrain when it landed on its side.

He was found unconscious next to the vehicle. The driver and two other passengers travelling in the vehicle were unhurt.

The SAF and Mindef will continue to give assistance and support to the family of the late 3SG Chan, Mindef said.