The first batch of pupils and teachers, who touched down on Saturday afternoon, were with their families at Changi Airport on Saturday afternoon. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM
BY PEARL LEE AND LINETTE LAI
SINGAPORE - A 12-year-old girl from Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) was killed during an overseas school trip to Mount Kinabalu when a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck, Education Minister Heng Swee Keat confirmed on Saturday. (June 6).
The girl has been identified as Peony Wee Ying Ping.
A boy from the same school was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment at Kota Kinabalu, he said.
Six pupils and two teachers are still missing.
Mr Heng was speaking to reporters at Changi Airport where he received pupils and teachers from the school who made it back safely.
A statement from the Ministry of Education (MOE) said: “We are deeply saddened to inform that the Malaysian authorities have retrieved the body of a 12-year-old female, which has been verified by the next-of-kin as Wee Ying Ping Peony from Tanjong Katong Primary School. MOE and other government officials are in Kota Kinabalu, and will provide assistance and support to Peony’s family during this difficult period.”
A total of 29 pupils and eight teachers from the school were at Mount Kinabalu on an overseas learning journey when the quake struck on Friday.
Most of the pupils and teachers have returned to Singapore, others will do so on Saturday evening.
The first batch of pupils and teachers, who touched down on Saturday afternoon, were ushered into a private holding room at Changi Airport where their families were waiting. Tears of relief were shed and the children were seen hugging their parents.
At least one pupil was on a wheelchair with his leg in a cast.
Another two pupils and one teacher, who require more medical attention, will be returning on air ambulances later on Saturday.
Three other teachers will remain in Kota Kinabalu to continue working with the onsite team and to look after a 12-year-old pupil who is receiving medical treatment in Kota Kinabalu.
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/sabah-quake-anxious-parents-await-return-tanjong-katong-#sthash.0fqlBi77.dpuf
