Passengers guided off MRT train at Tanjong Pagar station after power bank starts emitting smoke

All commuters were guided off an MRT train at Tanjong Pagar Station after smoke was discovered emitting from someone's power bank.

In response to Mothership's queries, the president of SMRT Trains Lam Sheau Kai said that the emergency communication button (ECB) was activated on the eastbound train at about 2pm on Dec. 5.

The staff at Tanjong Pagar station responded immediately, found the source of the smoke, and guided all passengers on board to disembark safely.

No injuries were reported, and train services were not affected.

"To clear the smoke, the station’s exhaust system was activated, and the smoke dissipated shortly thereafter," Lam added. "The affected train was subsequently moved to the depot for further checks."

Thick smoke and strange smell

A commuter who was on the train at the time posted on Xiaohongshu that it was the first time they had ever seen someone press the emergency communication button on an MRT train.

The user, who goes by Liu Xiao Pang, shared that there was thick smoke and a strange smell on the train, but they did not see any fire or explosion.

Station staff arrived in five minutes to help guide commuters to another train, and everyone rushed out, Liu added.

Additionally, Liu said the owner of the power bank apologised to everyone.

"Accidents are hard to avoid, and this one was quickly and efficiently managed," Liu said. "The commuters also did not panic."

Top images from Liu Xiao Pang/Xiaohongshu