Joo Koon train accident: Second such incident in MRT's 30-year history
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Twenty-three passengers and two staff were injured after an SMRT train hit a stationary train at Joo Koon MRT station.
ST PHOTO: JONATHAN CHOO
Maria Almenoar, Lee Min Kok
SINGAPORE - The SMRT train collision on Wednesday morning (Nov 15), which saw 25 people injured, was the second such incident in MRT's 30-year history.
On Aug 5, 1993, a damaged rubber ring set off a chain of events that led to the collision between two trains at Clementi MRT station, leaving about 160 passengers injured.
The ring broke, causing 50 litres of oil to drip onto the tracks from a locomotive doing maintenance during non-passenger hours.
A Jurong East-bound train had stopped at the station for two minutes longer than scheduled due to a technical fault. It was then hit by another train when the automatic train protection system failed because of the spilt oil.
Jammed train doors were forced open to help injured passengers out. Passengers were treated for head injuries, spinal injuries, fractures and minor bruises, among other injuries.
A panel of inquiry set up then to look into the incident said that the collision could have been prevented had MRT staff dealt with the oil spill "sufficiently aggressively or promptly".
The panel consisted of officials from the then-Public Works Department, Public Transport Council, Temasek Polytechnic and The Mass Rapid Transit Corporation (MRTC) - SMRT's earlier incarnation.
Top stories
Explore top stories from all sections in one place
Singapore
Why Singapore wants children to play with sand and swings again
Singapore
What children need from playgrounds: Building brains, brawn and friendships
Business
CPF LIFE or invest on your own? It depends on whether you can manage money in old age
Life
Finding love on LinkedIn: Why are more singles giving it a shot?
Singapore
Surprise resignation by Koh Poh Koon reflects toll of political life: Observers
Opinion
Inside Singapore’s AI ‘Coachella’: Will the tech elite leave room for us?
Business
Suspended firms have three years to get back on track, or may be delisted: SGX Regco
Asia
China uses for the first time new rules to counter ‘improper’ foreign jurisdiction over its firms
All hoses and oil seals on such locomotives were replaced as a result of the incident and new locomotives with a different type of engine which is not prone to oil leaks were also purchased.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 2:44
Loaded: 5.98%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 2:44
More than 150 compensation claims were filed.
In the latest incident, injured passengers suffered sprains, limb fractures and joint dislocation.
SMRT will be holding a press conference about the incident at 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 3:04
Loaded: 5.32%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 3:04
See more on
Recommended buys
All products have been vetted by the SPH Media shopping team. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
