Man climbs over doors at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve phone from tracks, incoming train halted
A man climbed over the half-height platform screen doors at Boon Lay MRT station to retrieve his phone from tracks, which is a big no-no.
Another commuter activated the Emergency Stop Plunger (ESP) on the west-bound platform after witnessing the incident on March 13 at about 8.15am, said SMRT in a social media post the next day.
"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 the public transport operator said.
"The individual could have been hit by a train or electrocuted by the high-voltage traction power from the third rail. Such reckless actions not only endanger lives but can also cause service disruptions, affecting many commuters.
"Additionally, when emergency brakes are applied, there is a risk of injury to passengers onboard the train."
SMRT advised: "If an item falls onto the tracks, please seek assistance from our staff rather than attempting to retrieve it. Do note that for safety reasons, item retrieval can only be carried out at the end of the day."
In 2021, a man admitted to stopping an MRT train at the Buona Vista station the previous year in trying to retrieve a phone that fell on the tracks. He also assaulted a security officer.
He was fined $5,600.
