Written Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung to Parliamentary Question on Update on Fire Incident in MRT Tunnel On 16 October 2020

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport with regard to the fire in the MRT tunnel between Orchard and Somerset stations on 16 October 2020 

a.     how many engineering locomotives were in service then; 

b.     whether the damaged engineering locomotive will impede maintenance works by SMRT; and 

c.     what safety measures are in place for fighting MRT tunnel fires.

Reply by Minister for Transport Ong Ye Kung:

1.     During engineering hours on 16 October 2020, a small fire started on a locomotive that was travelling in the MRT tunnel between Orchard and Somerset stations. It was immediately put out by SMRT’s maintenance staff using on-board fire extinguishers, before SCDF arrived at the scene. The situation was resolved within 20 minutes.

2.     The fire was caused by lubricant oil that leaked from a broken gasket and combusted upon contact with the locomotive’s hot exhaust pipe. There was no damage to other parts of the railway and the incident did not affect train services nor SMRT’s maintenance ability. SMRT is conducting a fleetwide check of all the gaskets and critical components on their locomotives, and will initiate a review with the equipment supplier, who had earlier replaced the gaskets in July 2020.

3.     All underground tunnels are equipped with ventilation fans which can expel smoke and supply fresh air. All trains and locomotives have fire extinguishers on board, with all MRT staff trained in basic firefighting and first aid. There is water supply in all stations and tunnels for firefighting. Standard Operating Procedures are in place to evacuate commuters in times of emergency.