Smoke seen coming from MRT train at Bukit Gombak station, commuters evacuated

Smoke was seen coming from underneath an MRT train at Bukit Gombak station on Tuesday (Sept 15), prompting all commuters on board to be disembarked as a safety precaution.

The incident happened at about 11.40am at Bukit Gombak station on the North-South Line, according to president of SMRT Trains Lam Sheau Kai, in response to AsiaOne's query.

Preliminary checks suggested that the smoke may have been caused by a faulty brake, Lam said.

"As a safety precaution, our staff promptly assisted all commuters to leave the train safely," he added.

The train was subsequently withdrawn to the depot for further checks.

Train services continued to operate normally, and there were no reports of commuters needing medical assistance, Lam said.

In a video circulating online, the platform of the above-ground station appears crowded with commuters, some of whom are seen covering their noses as smoke fills the platform. 

Meanwhile, SMRT employees are seen speaking into walkie-talkies and observing the empty and stationary train on the Jurong East-bound side.

@asiaone There were no reports of commuters needing medical assistance after a train at Bukit Gombak MRT station emitted smoke at around 11:40am on Tuesday (Sept 15). Passengers were safely guided off the platform while the train was withdrawn for checks. #sgnews #Singapore #SMRT #PublicTransport #MRT ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

A reader who spoke to Lianhe Zaobao on condition of anonymity said she was travelling from Marsiling station towards Jurong East when she noticed an unusual smell on board the train from Kranji station. 

The smell persisted until the train arrived at Bukit Gombak station, she said.

During that time, some passengers moved to other carriages in an attempt to avoid the smoke.

"I got up because I also wanted to leave the train but found that the adjacent carriage was already filled with smoke," she said.

The reader said the smoke appeared to be coming from the gap between the train and the platform.

Station staff arrived shortly afterwards to assist, the commuter told Zaobao.

The affected train subsequently left the station, while the next train arrived shortly after.

[[nid:741491]]

helmy.saat@asiaone.com