Another Singapore MRT commuter gets stuck
SINGAPORE, June 15 — Another MRT commuter had his leg caught between a train and the train platform — the second reported incident in two weeks.
An SMRT spokesperson said a male passenger’s leg had slipped in between the platform gap on Wednesday about 4.10pm at Raffles Place Station.
Safety feature: The gap between SMRT’s passenger car and the platform. — Picture courtesy of urbanrail.netThe SMRT said its station staff responded to the call by the emergency button “within a minute” and freed the man’s leg with the help of another passenger.
“We also offered ambulance assistance but the man declined, and continued with his journey after some rest,” the SMRT said.
The incident caused a delay of about four minutes to the eastbound train.
SMRT said there were “fewer than 10 cases of passengers” getting caught in the platform gap in the past year.
The platform gap at above-ground stations is about 7.5cm wide, and 10cm wide at underground stations.
“The width we maintain in our system is one of the narrowest possible without compromising safety and is necessary to accommodate the train’s movement,” the SMRT said.
“Though trains run along a fixed track, they sway slightly when in motion and also move from side to side to enable smooth movements around bends. Without a gap, a train entering a station will infringe on the platform edge.”
Wednesday’s incident followed another on June 1, when a woman had her leg caught. She was not injured.
SMRT noted that the June 1 incident was resolved “thanks to the quick thinking of passengers”. It advised passengers to be courteous and watch for the safety of fellow commuters.
It said announcements were constantly played to remind passengers to be careful of the platform gaps. There were reminder stickers on the train doors and platform screen doors.
“Passengers who witness similar incidents can activate the emergency communications button within the trains or emergency stop plunger at the station platforms,” said the SMRT. “Where necessary, an ambulance would be activated.” — Today
