SMRT has announced that no regular train services will operate between the Jurong East and Buona Vista MRT stations in both directions on 26 September 2023, following a power fault that occurred earlier on 25 September.

According to the train operator, engineers are working overnight and throughout the day on 26 September to restore normal services along the affected stretch of the East-West Line (EWL).

The disruption has forced SMRT to implement contingency measures. Shuttle train services will run every 10 minutes between Boon Lay and Jurong East stations, as well as between Buona Vista and Queenstown stations.

Additionally, free regular bus services are available between Boon Lay and Queenstown stations. Commuters can also use bridging buses between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations.

SMRT expressed its regret, stating, “We are deeply sorry and thank all commuters for their understanding and patience as we do our best to recover train services on the affected stretch of the East-West Line.”

The power fault occurred around 9:30 a.m. on 25 September, leading to disruptions along the EWL, with regular train services suspended between Boon Lay and Queenstown MRT stations for the rest of the day.

According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the problem originated from a first-generation Kawasaki Heavy Industries train that developed a fault near Clementi station.

LTA reported that the train was withdrawn to Ulu Pandan depot after SMRT safely assisted passengers to disembark at Clementi station.

As the faulty train was being withdrawn, a power trip occurred at 9:25 a.m., stalling another train between Boon Lay and Queenstown.

LTA noted that about 850 passengers on the stalled train safely disembarked onto the tracks and were escorted back to Clementi station.

In a statement, LTA explained that the process of withdrawing the damaged train caused further damage to both the running rails and the third rail, which supplies power to the trains. This worsened the situation, leading to prolonged delays and disruption of services along the affected stretch.

Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, currently in China on a work trip, acknowledged the severity of the disruption and said that LTA and SMRT will conduct a thorough investigation. In a Facebook post on 25 September, he assured the public that LTA would assess whether normal train services could resume on 26 September. He also highlighted that with Primary 6 pupils sitting for their PSLE English papers on 26 September, the Ministry of Transport would collaborate with the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board to ensure contingency plans minimize the disruption’s impact on students.

Meanwhile, Acting Transport Minister Amy Khor visited Queenstown station on the evening of 25 September to observe the situation firsthand. She praised SMRT staff for actively guiding commuters toward alternative transport options and expressed gratitude to affected passengers for their patience. Dr Khor, who also serves as Senior Minister of State for Transport, reiterated SMRT’s commitment to restoring normal services as swiftly as possible.

SMRT’s chairman Seah Moon Ming and group chief executive Ngien Hoon Ping offered a detailed explanation of the incident. In a joint statement, they revealed that the disruption was triggered by the failure of a mechanical component on one of SMRT’s first-generation trains. A defective component dropped off during the train’s withdrawal, causing a bogie—part of the framework supporting the rail car’s wheels and braking system—to come off the running rail and hit track-side equipment, including the third rail. This impact led to the power fault that caused the extensive disruption.

“We fully understand the inconvenience, frustration, and delays this disruption has caused, and we deeply regret the impact it has had on your journey. We are working relentlessly to restore service quickly,” the SMRT executives said.

As the disruption affected many commuters throughout the day, SMRT and LTA have been updating the public on alternative travel arrangements through social media platforms.

Shuttle services between Jurong East and Boon Lay, as well as between Buona Vista and Queenstown, began running at 5 p.m. on 25 September, and free bus services remain available between Boon Lay and Queenstown.

Commuters are advised to check SMRT and LTA’s social media channels for the latest updates on the situation.

SINGAPORE: Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with a bullying incident involving a Qihua Primary School pupil.

The police confirmed on Wednesday (25 September), that they had identified the teenagers involved and arrested five individuals suspected of rioting.

According to a police statement, “The police take a serious view of such acts of violence and blatant disregard of the law. We will not hesitate to take action and deal with the offenders in accordance with the law.”

Authorities also indicated that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The bullying incident came to public attention after a four-minute video surfaced online on 20 September.

In the video, a boy wearing a black T-shirt is seen punching a smaller boy dressed in a Qihua Primary School uniform. A voice in the background, speaking in Malay, is heard encouraging the violence, repeating, “again, again.”

As the video continues, the victim is knocked to the ground, then gets up, only to endure further blows from the larger boy, who kicks him in the abdomen.

In a later scene, the same attacker strikes the smaller boy in the head and knees him in the abdomen while they are in a stairwell. A second boy, wearing a grey hoodie, joins in and is seen kicking the victim.

The school’s administration responded to media inquiries by stating that they are counselling the affected pupils and working closely with their parents to ensure their well-being.

The school has not provided further details regarding when the incident took place or the specific measures being taken to address the situation.

The video has sparked significant concern online, with many calling for harsher penalties for bullying and greater supervision in schools.