SMRT technician dies after accident at Bishan Depot

SINGAPORE — An SMRT staff member died after sustaining severe injuries while working at Bishan Depot on Monday (March 23) morning, the rail operator said in a media statement.

Technical officer Muhammad Afiq Senawi had been operating a hydraulic press machine while working in a rolling stock workshop at Bishan Depot when the accident occurred at around 9.20am on Monday.

He sustained severe injuries and first aid was rendered to him immediately. He was then taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries at around 11.20am.

"We have conveyed our deepest condolences to his family and are rendering support and assistance at this very difficult time," said SMRT group chief executive officer Neo Kian Hong in a statement.

Mr Neo added that SMRT is assisting the Land Transport Authority, the Ministry of Manpower and the police with investigations.

The statement did not state the man’s age, his nationality or his family circumstances.

In a separate statement, Mr Melvin Yong, executive secretary of the National Transport Workers' Union said the union is “deeply saddened” at the worker’s death and that union leaders are in touch with his family to render assistance and support.

Mr Yong added that the union will be working closely with SMRT and the relevant agencies to investigate the accident, as well as to review the safety measures and protocols in place at the depot.

SMRT has also called a safety time-out and suspended all similar maintenance works while investigations are ongoing. The statement did not elaborate on the time-out.