How is my squad, asks Officer Cadet after regaining consciousness

Siti Hajar, Hakim Hayat, Syafiq Affendy, Aziz Idris, Fadhil Yunos & Danial Norjidi

Despite sustaining grievous injuries, one of the Officer Cadets, who miraculously survived in what could be the worst tragedy in the history of Brunei's defence, in and out of consciousness, recognised his close relatives and asked, "How is my squad?"

The selfless Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel is testament to the cohesion of the armed forces and sheer grit even in the face of adversity.

Friends and acquaintances of the tragic helicopter survivors expressed their relief for the safety of the two young Officer Cadets who had miraculously survived the accident that has left the nation in grief.

It was made to understand that the two Officer Cadets were rushed to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital where one of them from the eighth intake under the Officer Cadet School is currently receiving treatment for a fractured arm, an injured leg and a number of scratch and bruises sustained during the crash and the other, it was explained by a hospital personnel, is in stable condition and had to undergo surgery.

Family members of one of the survivors said that the young Officer Cadet was heavily sedated but was still able to respond.

Among the first words following the incident apart from the Muslim greeting 'Asalamualaikum' when the Officer Cadet saw close relatives, was the query to the condition of the other Officer Cadets on the chopper.

The Officer Cadet's Facebook page, meanwhile, has been flooded with messages from friends with many praying for his speedy recovery.

Borneo Bulletin Weekend - July 21, 2012 - Saturday.