SINGAPORE — A technical fault which resulted in a power outage caused the service disruption of the Sentosa Express, the island’s monorail system, on yesterday night (Dec 4). 61 guests and staff were on board, and the last passenger was only safely brought down from the train at 2am the next morning, according to Sentosa Leisure Management.

Mr Koh Piak Huat, Divisional Director of Operations at Sentosa Leisure Management, said that the two-carriage train was bound for VivoCity, but stalled between the Beach and Imbiah Stations at 10.10pm last night.

Efforts were made to immediately transfer them to a rescue train that would bring them to the nearest Imbiah Station. However, due to technical difficulties in moving the rescue train, the Singapore Civil Defence Force was eventually called in to assist with the rescue operations, Mr Koh said.

“The first passenger was moved to safety just before midnight and the rescue operation progressively took place with the last passenger being brought down from the train safely at 2am,” he added.

After they were rescued, those affected were brought to a holding area where they were given refreshments, while other assistance was also extended where required and taxis put on standby to transport guests home with Sentosa footing the cab fare, according to the press release.

The island’s Guest Experience team followed up today morning to check on affected passengers and fruit baskets were sent to them as a gesture of goodwill, he added.

Mr Koh said: “Initial investigations indicate a technical fault which resulted in a power outage, leading to the stalling of the train. The affected train has since been repaired and the Sentosa Express service resumed normal operations at 7am today morning. Further investigations are ongoing.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA