Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Results of Investigations into Fatal Accident near Pasir Ris MRT Station and Tunnel Flooding between Bishan and Braddell MRT Stations

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Transport

a.     what is discovered in the investigations leading to the fines imposed on SMRT on 20 July 2018 in respect of the fatal accident near Pasir Ris MRT station on 22 March 2016 and the tunnel flooding incident between Bishan and Braddell MRT stations on 7 and 8 October 2017;

b.     what lessons have been learned from the investigations; and

c.     what measures have been put in place by SMRT to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     On 20 July 2018, the Land Transport Authority announced its intention to impose two financial penalties totalling $1.9 million on SMRT for the fatal accident which took place on 22 March 2016 near Pasir Ris MRT station, and the flooding incident in the tunnels between Bishan and Braddell MRT stations from 7 to 8 October 2017. SMRT has apologised and accepted responsibility for these incidents. 

2.     Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, following the imposition of financial penalties, SMRT has the right to lodge a statutory appeal to the Minister for Transport. As the appeal window has not closed, it would not be in order for the Minister for Transport to comment on this case now.