Photo buff falls to death in China

CHINA - A Singaporean photography enthusiast plunged 40m to his death from a cliff in China on Tuesday while on a photography trip.

Mr Tan Keng Chuan, 37, was believed to have been on the trip to Chengdu - the capital of Sichuan province - with four friends who were also photography hobbyists when tragedy struck, Chinese daily Wanbao reported yesterday.

The group had been lugging photography equipment and hiking with a tour guide. They were navigating through a mountain pass when Mr Tan suddenly slipped and fell over the cliff.

The report said it was uncertain if Mr Tan's photography gear had obstructed his movement or if the slippery terrain led to the accident.

By the time rescuers arrived at the scene, Mr Tan was already dead.

Mr Tan's father and a few relatives have flown to China and are making arrangements to bring back his body.

Mr Tan was an avid photographer who had travelled to countries such as Egypt and Britain to indulge in his hobby, according to the report.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Singapore Consulate-General in Chengdu is in touch with Mr Tan's relatives, and has been providing consular assistance to them.

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