Defense News

The Ministry of National Defense expressed today (16th) that, following the completion of the live-fire exercise “Lian Yong Exercise” today, a CM11 tank belonging to the 564 Armor Brigade of the 8th Army Corps, driven by Private Specialist Yang, had crashed into the Wangsha River on the way back to base around 10:30am. The crash into the river had resulted in two injured and 3 deaths. The Ministry had expressed its sorrow at the loss of lives. Besides offering full support for the treatment of the injured personnel and consoling to the families of the deceased personnel, the Ministry also requested the Army Command Headquarters to speed up the investigation into the accident causes.

The Ministry of National Defense indicated that, after learning of the incident, Minister Feng Shih-Kuan promptly ordered Chief of General Staff, General Yen Teh-Fa, at 12:00pm to lead a task force to convey condolences to the families of the casualties and investigate the accident causes. After which, Minister Feng arrived at Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital at 13:30pm to visit First Lieutenant Wu, and instructed the hospital to form a medical task team to offer full medical support. The Minister also commended the Medical Affairs Bureau for their swift response in dispatching the Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital to send assistance to Hengchun and allowed the rescue of First Lieutenant Wu who had showed vital signs. Minister Feng expressed his sincere sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, and promised to offer adequate pension and compensation, as well as full assistance in funeral arrangements. At the same time, the Minister also instructed the Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital to offer the most comprehensive medical services to the injured personnel.