SMRT and LTA said the train behind a stalled train “moved forward unexpectedly” and “came into contact” with the first train. Photo from The Straits Times/Asia News Network/JONATHAN CHOO
SINGAPORE – An SMRT train hit a stationary one at the Joo Koon MRT station platform around 8am on Wednesday (Nov 15) during the morning peak hour when trains are usually packed.
The Straits Times understands that the incident has to do with a malfunction of the new signalling system.
The SMRT and Land Transport Authority (LTA) said in a statement that at 8:18 am, a train heading westwards in the direction of Tuas Link station stalled at Joo Koon station on the East-West Line.
About a minute later, a second train stopped behind the first train but soon after moved forward unexpectedly and “came into contact with the first train”.
A total of 23 passengers and two SMRT staff sustained light to moderate injuries and were taken conscious to the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital.
The Singapore Civil Defense Force was alerted around 8:30 am.
The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Passengers who posted on social media said that a number of those on the moving train fell when the two trains made contact.
SMRT and LTA are investigating the incident.
The incident caused delays on the East-West Line and happened on the same day that the Circle Line was hit by a major disruption said to be caused by a door fault.
When The Straits Times visited Joo Koon station, it was closed to passengers till around 11:20 am. At around 11.35 am, more than 50 personnel were seen at the site, but it was unclear what work was being done.