Emergency Response to Recent Newton MRT Station Fire

Mdm Speaker, let me assure Members that the safety of passengers in our MRT system is of utmost importance. Therefore, any incident of a fire is taken extremely seriously, even if in this case, the fire was small and localised in the tunnel off Newton station.

I have been briefed on the preliminary findings by SMRT and LTA. I have made clear to both agencies that I expect a thorough investigation to find out the root cause of the fire, and to learn useful lessons on how we can better manage similar incidents in the future, so that we can improve on passenger safety. Both SMRT and LTA will also look into preventive measures.

At this juncture, what we have established is that the fire was caused by a short circuit, most likely due to cable insulation issues. This will be confirmed by laboratory tests which should conclude in the coming few weeks. As an immediate measure, the cables at the affected stretch have been replaced. SMRT has also conducted a complete insulation test of all underground traction cables and stepped up its insulation checks on similar installations at all tunnels.

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SCDF took swift action to put out the fire and fortunately, there were no injuries to commuters, or serious damage to the MRT system. The regular fire and rescue emergency exercises jointly held by SCDF, LTA and the operators helped in this regard. Nonetheless, we should await the investigations' findings and improve our incident management plans where needed.

Mdm Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister for Transport a follow-up question. I understand that this is not the first fire at Newton MRT Station. I was rather concerned to see that passengers were milling around the train platforms and were also taking photographs that were eventually uploaded on social media websites. I do not know whether the assessment was that it was a small fire and so there was no need to unnecessarily alarm passengers. But is that the protocol? Would that not be somewhat dangerous, given that it is hard to ascertain how serious a fire is, especially in an enclosed area?

Mdm Speaker, the Member is right in that this was not the first fire at Newton Station. The last was in 2004, which incidentally was also the last incident in the MRT system. The passengers in this case were ushered as quickly as possible out of the station, contrary to impressions that they were allowed to mill around and so on. Whether we can effectively prevent any passenger from taking a photograph if they choose to do so is something that needs to be looked further into.