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Singapore authorities to look into strengthening safety procedures after train accident

Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

"The authorities are gathering details to understand how the accident happened and how the safety procedures could be further strengthened", said Singapore's Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan Tuesday.

The remarks came after two maintenance staff of MRT operator SMRT were killed in track accident in the morning.

Khaw updated in his Facebook, expressing the deepest condolences to the family.

Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) also released an announcement soon after the accident, saying LTA will be assisting with investigation and will extend assistance to the staff's next-of-kin where necessary.

Desmond Kuek, CEO of SMRT said they are investigating the accident and will extend support to the family of the staff at a press conference held on Tuesday.

Kuek said 15 workers were walking in a single file along the walkway in the direction of the oncoming train, which was heading into Pasir Ris station of the East-West line.

The train was automatically driven with about 35 passengers. The supervisor was leading the maintenance group and the two killed were the second and third men in the group. No other workers were injured.

When asked why workers were doing maintenance work when the trains were operating, Kuek said "this is standard. Whenever there is a track fault, regardless if it is a revenue service or during engineering hours, we have to investigate." Endit