Mother Nature is now adding to the list of problems Singapore’s MRT system has been experiencing of late — a train on the East-West Line (EWL) was struck by lightning just after 4pm today. It is believed that there could be at least one injury resulting from the strike, but the affected train has since been removed from service, according to The Straits Times.
The incident caused traveling time between Tanah Merah and Paya Lebar stations to be delayed for at least 10 minutes, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was reported to have dispatched an ambulance to Tanah Merah station.
In response to media queries, SMRT spokesman Patrick Nathan confirmed that one person has been conveyed to Changi General Hospital in the incident that is currently being investigated as a possible lightning strike. He also assured that all trains are protected by Faraday Cages — shields used to block electromagnetic fields — that transfer currents from lightning strikes through the outside shell of the train and pass through the wheels to the track.
According to Nathan, the city-bound train had stalled as it was approaching Bedok MRT station. Passengers had to be cleared from the train soon after as it was withdrawn from service for investigation. The train driver received medical attention after he said he was unwell.
SCDF later confirmed to Yahoo News Singapore that a man in his 20s was conveyed conscious to Changi General Hospital.
This isn’t the first time a train on a surface line has been struck by lightning, but SMRT has previously claimed that commuters are unlikely to be injured by such circumstances. Just last May, a train on the North-South Line was hit by lightning, causing disruptions to southbound services between Yishun and Yio Chu Kang stations.
Edit: Article updated to reflect statement made by SCDF and SMRT.
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