MRT train halts after commuters pressed emergency button for missed stop
A group of roughly 15 adults and young children were trying to get off at Lakeside MRT station on the morning of Feb 12 when six of them didn't make it out in time.
In a desperate move, a woman from the group hit the red emergency button by the train door, bringing the train to an abrupt halt on its way to Chinese Garden MRT station.
The woman then reportedly demanded SMRT staff open the doors over the speaker system, but was told to wait.
While staff assessed the situation, another woman from the group apparently pressed the button repeatedly, also demanding the doors be opened immediately.
The train, however, continued on to Chinese Garden MRT station without stopping.
A fellow passenger filmed the incident and posted it online, noting that the group comprised children, parents, and staff from an infant school.
Eyewitnesses said the group exited through the same door but without any hurry, even as the train signalled its doors were closing.
This resulted in six of them being left behind when the train pulled away.
When bystanders suggested the group wait for the next train and return to Lakeside, a woman in a pink shirt allegedly claimed it was "an emergency," as a father had been separated from his four-year-old child, who had gotten off at Lakeside MRT.
The group eventually got off at Chinese Garden MRT station and took the next train back to Lakeside.
Responding to media queries, SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai confirmed the incident happened around 10am on Feb 12.
Mr Lam stressed that the emergency communication button should only be used in genuine emergencies, such as medical issues, criminal incidents, or train malfunctions.
"SMRT takes a serious view of this irresponsible act, which delays train services and inconveniences other commuters," he said.
Under the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations, improper use of emergency or safety devices on railway premises is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000.
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