Train services between Gul Circle and Boon Lay along the East-West Line were suspended this morning after an SMRT worker was injured while carrying out maintenance work near Joo Koon MRT station, around 4.10am.
SMRT has since clarified that the worker suffered injuries to his right foot as he was preparing for an engineering vehicle to move back to the depot following maintenance works, on the track.
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers conveyed to the employee to the National University Hospital, where he is in a stable condition and receiving treatment, according to SMRT.
SMRT said in a press statement that it suspended train services on part of the East-West Line after the accident as its engineering and operations teams conducted further checks on the track: “As this process required some time, the start of train service between Gul Circle and Boon Lay MRT station (both bounds) had to be delayed.”
Train services between the affected stations resumed at 6.20am, according to the SMRT statement.
The organisation added that a full investigation into the accident will be launched as it said: “Workplace safety is a priority for us, and the maintenance teams observed a safety timeout this morning to remind them of the importance of safety.
“Our immediate concern is for our maintenance staff who is being treated at the hospital, and we are providing the necessary care and support to him and his family.”
Commuters were first informed of the accident and suspension of train services around 5am this morning. Commuters were notified that trains were “progressively returning back to normal speed” and that services at affected stations have resumed over an hour later.
SMRT deployed free regular bus and bridging services during the disruption. The transport operator has also apologised to commuters in the wake of the incident: “We are sorry to all commuters who were affected this morning.”