SINGAPORE: A coroner's inquiry has determined that full-time national serviceman Dominique Sarron Lee died from an acute allergic reaction to inhaling zinc chloride fumes. He had inhaled fumes from six smoke grenades that were used during a military training exercise last April. The 21-year-old passed out during the exercise and died in hospital later. The inquiry also found that Private Lee, who had a history of asthma, did not die from an asthma attack. State Coroner Imran Abdul Hamid, however, noted that he had underplayed his condition during a pre-enlistment medical checkup. Private Lee had indicated that the last asthma attack he suffered was three years ago, when in fact he had suffered one three months before the checkup and had seen a GP about it. Private Lee's family contend that his medical records should have been reviewed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and additional tests should have been conducted. But the coroner said patients must bring up relevant information for medical screenings to be effective, pointing out that it is "hard to accept" that doctors have to conduct further screenings for every enlistee. The coroner also said the platoon commander who threw the smoke grenades could not have predicted Private Lee's allergic reaction, although there was more smoke than necessary during the exercise. Platoon Commander Captain Najib Hanik Muhammad Jalal had given evidence that he threw more smoke grenades than the two he was supposed to because there was no wind to create the smoke screen needed to mask the movement of the troops. The coroner also noted that other recruits who suffered from asthma did not report any adverse outcome from the exercise. He accepted as well that Private Lee was taken to an SAF medical centre closest to the incident location instead of a hospital as restoring cardiac function was a priority. Private Lee's family had questioned why he was not taken immediately to the National University Hospital. The inquiry noted that the Sungei Gedong Medical Centre was 10 minutes from the incident location, whereas the hospital was 23 kilometres from it. Private Lee's family, who were in court on Friday, said it is difficult for them to accept the coroner's findings as they feel it is based on a one-sided testimony and they are considering further legal action. Private Lee's mother, Madam Felicia Seah, appeared distraught after the findings were delivered. Sean Seah, Private Lee's uncle, said: "We definitely want to pursue further; we want SAF to answer our concerns. And because we have many unanswered question, what we want SAF to show us is that they are really putting in measures to ensure that the safety of all NSmen in future is taken care of." www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/nsf-died-from-allergic/796698.html

• published: 30 Aug 2013
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