177 MRT track intrusions since 2003

SINGAPORE — A total of 177 track intrusions have been recorded on the MRT network since 2003, but all train station managers and staff have been trained to handle such incidents and are able to provide first aid, said Transport Parliamentary Secretary Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim in Parliament today (Feb 18).

Associate Professor Faishal was responding to a question filed by opposition Member of Parliament Png Eng Huat about the protocols in place and the type of training given to MRT staff to handle non-fatal emergency rescue for track intrusions. Mr Png had also asked how many MRT track intrusions had been recorded in the last 10 years.

Earlier this month, an elderly man was found lying unconscious on the tracks between the Tanah Merah and Expo MRT stations.

Associate Professor Faishal also explained that Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are in place to guide MRT staff who are responding to such incidents. The train captain is required to stop the train immediately if there was a known or suspected track intrusion, and the captain must report the incident to the Operations Control Centre instantly, he added.

Traction power is turned off at once to ensure the physical safety of the track intruder and to allow response staff to enter the track. If injuries are reported, the Operations Control Centre would inform the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to provide ambulance services, said Assoc Prof Faishal.

“The station managers are also trained to provide first aid prior to the arrival of SCDF,” he said.