Clementi rail accident

On 5 August 1993, a train on the East West line of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rear-ended another train that was stationary. It was the MRT's first major incident and resulted in 156 passengers being injured. It was caused by a maintenance vehicle leaking 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal) of oil onto the tracks.

Clementi rail accident
Details
Date5 August 1993 (1993-08-05)
7.50 am SST
LocationClementi MRT station
Coordinates1°18′55.09″N 103°45′54.88″E
CountrySingapore
LineEast West MRT Line
OperatorSMRT Trains
Incident typeCollision
CauseOil spill leading to reduced braking power
Statistics
Trains2
Injured156

Background

The MRT commenced operations in 1987, with the stretch of line from Outram Park MRT station to Clementi MRT station opening on 12 March 1988. At the time of the accident, the system had been operating for six years.[1]

Incident

Before the start of service, a maintenance vehicle leaked oil onto the tracks from Buona Vista MRT station to Clementi MRT station until the junction with Ulu Pandan Depot. The first 10 westbound trains reported braking difficulties. The eleventh train had to use its emergency brakes to stop at the station. As a result, the train had to stop for a longer time at the station to recharge its batteries. At 7.50 am on 5 August 1993, the 12th train, collided with the stationary C151 at Clementi while it was recharging its batteries, resulting in 156 injuries.[1][2]

Investigation

Preliminary investigation showed that the cause of the accident was a 50-litre (11 imp gal; 13 US gal) oil spill caused by a defective rubber ring on a maintenance locomotive.[3]

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the accident, SMRT said that it would replace the faulty maintenance locomotives and purchase new ones. It also introduced a new policy for station managers to inspect tracks for oil or foreign objects before the start of service. Train services resumed the day after the accident. [1]

See also

References
  1. "Joo Koon Collision was second in SMRT history". 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 8 February 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  2. Tan Lay Yuen. "First MRT accident". Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  3. Lee Min Kok (15 November 2017). "second collision in Singapore MRT". Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
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