An SMRT train was struck by lightning around 4pm on Nov. 20, as it was traveling along the East-West Line.

This resulted in a delay of about ten minutes between Paya Lebar and Tanah Merah MRT stations.

In response to media queries, SMRT said that the train captain who felt unwell had received medical attention.

It also added that the company is  "currently investigating this incident as a possible lightning strike."

Protected from lightning

SMRT trains are supposed to be protected from lightning strikes. In a blog post written on May. 12, 2016, SMRT explained how their trains are protected from lightning strikes, in a similar manner to cars and planes.

"Each train is protected by a Faraday Cage. This is an enclosure formed by conductive material that blocks electric fields and currents such as lightning strikes. The cage conducts current around the outside of the enclosed space with none passing through the interior.

In this case, the metallic exterior of our trains is the Faraday Cage that protects everyone inside from electric currents. Even if you're holding onto the grab pole, you will still be safe as the grab poles are attached securely to the train's interior and are not connected to the external frame. If lightning strikes, the electric current will travel through the outside shell of the train, not through the cabin, and pass through the wheels to the track. The train is grounded to the track."

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Previous lightning strikes

This isn't the first time that an MRT train has incurred the wrath of Zeus.

On May 11, 2016, a train on the North-South Line was struck, disrupting services from Yishun to Yio Chu Kang stations.

And on Sept. 2013, a lightning strike near Kranji station caused an electrical failure that disrupted service on the North-South Line.

Top image from Pixabay and SMRT.