Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Synchronisation of Warning Messages in KPE Tunnel

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     why were there different warning messages across the different platforms during the KPE tunnel fire that occurred on 29 August 2017;

b.     what measures have been taken to synchronise them; and

c.     how can fire fighters reach and access such fires in the tunnel in the event of a traffic jam.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     During the Aug 29 tunnel fire incident, there were different warning messages for motorists at different locations, as intended. Those inside the tunnel were advised via the tunnel messaging and broadcast system to exit the tunnel immediately if they could, or turn off their vehicle engines before evacuating via the nearest emergency exit if they could not. Motorists outside the tunnel were advised not to enter via electronic signboards, radio broadcast, and online and mobile platforms.  

2.     However, for a short period after the fire was put out, the messages were not synchronised. Messages outside the tunnel had ceased to advise motorists not to enter, but the LTA tunnel broadcast system continued to ask motorists to evacuate the tunnel. This caused some initial confusion. LTA has since reviewed the process and fixed the problem. 

3.     As there could be traffic congestion in the tunnel, the Singapore Civil Defence Force's fire fighters will respond to the site of the fire from both directions. Officers coming from the opposite direction at the incident location will access the site via cross-passage doors within the tunnel. Fire bikes will also be despatched, and fire fighting vehicles may travel on the road shoulder to reach the site.