By Kimberly Spykerman

IT WAS not just the usual train ride for the more than 500 'commuters' who took part in an emergency evacuation exercise organised by SMRT yesterday morning.

Packed into a train at Pioneer MRT station, part of the soon-to-be-opened Boon Lay Extension, they experienced first-hand a simulated arson and bomb attack.

An SMRT staff member, holding a plastic bottle wrapped in newspaper, was planted in the middle of a carriage. As the train pulled out of the station towards Joo Koon station, he emptied the 'kerosene' on the floor, in simulation of an arson attack.

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