Man detained after climbing over barriers at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve phone from tracks​

[The_King]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...mrt-screen-door-to-retrieve-phone-from-tracks

SINGAPORE – A man was detained by transport operator SMRT after climbing over platform screen doors at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve a phone that had fallen on the train tracks.

In a Facebook post on March 14, SMRT said the incident occurred at around 8.15am on March 13.

When the man climbed over the 1.5m-tall half-height screen doors, another commuter activated the Emergency Stop Plunger (ESP) on the west-bound platform.

ESPs are located on walls or pillars near the platform screen doors. Passengers may press the ESP in case of emergencies, such as when they see someone stuck at platform gaps or doors.

When the ESP is activated, trains will come to a safe stop and station staff will attend to the situation.

“Thanks to the timely activation of the ESP, the incoming train was halted in time, and the individual was unharmed. Our staff immediately intervened, detained the trespasser and alerted the police,” said Mr Lam Sheau Kai, president of SMRT Trains.

SMRT said it takes a serious view of this incident as the trespasser could have been hit by a train or electrocuted by the high-voltage traction power from the third rail.

When emergency brakes are applied, there is a risk of injury to passengers on the train.

“Such reckless actions not only endanger lives but can also cause service disruptions, affecting many commuters,” Mr Lam added.

Commuters should always stay clear of the tracks. If an item falls on the tracks, they should seek help from SMRT staff. Item retrieval can be carried out only at the end of the day due to safety reasons.

In 2021, a man admitted to stopping an MRT train at the Buona Vista station in trying to retrieve a phone that fell on the tracks. He also assaulted a security officer.

He was fined $5,600.

[The_King]

no name, confirm is FT