2018/08/16
The Air Force Command Headquarters issued a press release to elaborates on the incident “former soldier Zhu at the Tainan Air Base burned by fire” (Time: 18:20 August 16th, 2018).
The Air Force Command Headquarters elaborates today (16th) on the media coverage of “former soldier Zhu at the Tainan Air Base burned by fire” and its further handling of the incident:
Ⅰ. Based on an investigation by the military’s investigators on staffs that were present when the incident occurred, soldier Zhu was burned because firstly, the waste paper was not destroyed by following the “Destruction by Water Procedure” and was destroyed by fire instead; secondly, a Corporal whose last name is Peng ignited with naphtha without permission; and thirdly, no one alerted Zhu to stay at a safe distance. Such is the cause of Zhu’s burns. There were no bullying or pranks, as rumor has it.
Ⅱ. As soon as the incident happened, the unit immediately transferred the injured to the medical unit, where the medical officer promptly washed the burned areas with cold water, treated them with burn injury ointments according to burn injury emergency treatment steps. The injured was then transferred to National Cheng Kung University Hospital in Tainan for treatment. The reason as to why the unit sent the injured to the hospital in a civilian car and not in an ambulance was due to a wish to dodge responsibilities. Reviews have been done and accountabilities demanded.
Ⅲ. Due to career plans, soldier Zhu filed for “termination of military service” application. The application was processed according to procedures after explaining his decision to his family members, and the application was approved on June 4th and signed by Zhu on June 5th, which became effective on July 1st. There has never been such thing where the military opposed Zhu from applying for termination of military service.
Ⅳ. The unit has taken into consideration of soldier Zhu leaving soon on July 1st and that Zhu has accepted apology from Corporal Peng as well as signed a reconciliation statement on June 8th. Reconciliation statement was signed voluntarily and by no means compulsory.
Ⅴ. The Air Force Command Headquarters apologizes to the injured and his family members for the accidental burning incident occurred on duty, and will demand relevant personnel to assume responsibilities for acts such as untruthful reports and in violation of document destruction by water requirements. In addition, the case was transferred to the justice departments for further investigation. If any illegality is found, severe punishments will be given.