Lack of platform screen doors at Bukit Panjang LRT stations a recurring issue: Wife of man, 68, who died after falling onto tracks at Segar LRT

The wife of the 68-year-old man who died after falling onto the train tracks at Segar LRT station has raised questions about the lack of platform screen doors at the station, pointing out that this has been an "age-old issue".

She was speaking to Lianhe Zaobao reporters at her husband's wake on May 20 evening.

Husband starts day early

The 68-year-old, Loh Hee Chen, was on his way to work on the morning of May 18 when he fell onto the tracks.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after being reportedly run over by an LRT train.

His wife, Liang Jing Yun (transliteration), 70, told Zaobao that Loh suffers from low blood sugar and Ménière’s disease.

Liang and Loh have been married for 33 years.

Loh works as a school administrator at a primary school in Sengkang.

Detailing his morning routine, Liang shared that Loh has to be at work by 6:30am.

He gets up at about 4am and catches the first LRT train at 5am. The entire commute takes about one hour.

Husband called in sick twice in past two weeks

Recounting what happened on the day of the incident, Liang shared that her son went to check on the situation at the station first.

"He came back crying, and I sensed that something was wrong. Later, I went with him to the station and saw numerous police cars and an ambulance. I knew then that something unfortunate had happened to my husband," Liang told Zaobao.

Liang was seen emotionally distraught as she was helped out of the station by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) personnel on a stretcher.

She also shared that Loh had taken two days of medical leave in the past two weeks.

Although he had vertigo, he insisted on going back to work as he did not want to trouble his colleagues.

"In the past, he had been struck by dizziness as he was boarding the train. However, at the time, the commuters around him helped him, gave him water and got him to rest," Liang said.

"This time, if someone had supported him, could the tragedy have been avoided?" Liang wondered.

Hopes authorities will look into preventive measures

Liang also pointed out that the lack of platform screen doors along the Bukit Panjang LRT line has been an age-old issue, and that something similar had happened in the past.

She urged the authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation to provide a reasonable account of what happened to the family, as well as to detail the follow-up steps they will take.

"No matter how advanced the sensors on automatic trains are, they are bound to malfunction at times. I hope the authorities will seriously look into it and prevent such things from happening again," she remarked.

Won't be used to husband's absence: Wife

Liang told Zaobao that Loh is not only the family's pillar of financial support, but she also relied on him for emotional support through the years.

"I would always get his help with groceries, such as buying rice or fruits. He also shouldered many of the family's expenses," Liang said.

Loh's passing has dealt an emotional blow to Liang.

Liang admitted that it will take some time to emotionally recover, saying, "We used to have meals together on the weekend. I will have to do many things on my own moving forward. I definitely won't be used to it."

Son echoes calls to look into gaps in safety

Loh's 30-year-old son, who was also at the wake, shared that the family did not expect tragedy to strike that morning.

He also shared that staff from the Land Transport Authority and SMRT had visited the wake to pay their respects.

"However, it can't bring back my father. I hope the authorities will address the safety gaps," the younger Loh said.

He also reiterated his question about the gap in time between when police were notified of the incident and when SCDF was alerted.

The police received a report about the incident at 5:50am, while SCDF was alerted at 6:25am.

The younger Loh also made similar remarks regarding hidden dangers in the platform design, such as the size of the gap between the platform screens.

Platform screens, tactile warning studs and artificial intelligence detection systems have been installed at LRT stations, such as at Segar LRT.

However, due to space limitations, platform screen doors have not been installed, according to Zaobao.

"Although the platform has warning signs, but the dangers cannot be prevented if someone faints or if young children take an accidental fall," the younger Loh commented.

The 30-year-old similarly hopes that the authorities will provide a transparent account of what happened and the steps they will take to improve safety on the LRT platforms.

MP visits wake

Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Member of Parliament Edward Chia was also present at the wake and was seen speaking to the family.

Chia told Zaobao that the priority at this time was the family's well-being and to help them through this difficult period.

He shared that family services will be involved to provide counselling to the family and help them work through the traumatic incident.

The MP said that he could not comment on SMRT or the incident as investigations are still underway and that he would follow up on matters once the investigation results are out.

In a Facebook post, Chia also shared that an immediate relief grant has been arranged and further assistance will be provided to the family.

He noted that the younger Loh has shared with him his questions about the tragic accident.

"I have assured him that I will follow up on the matters raised with the relevant agencies, as we await the outcome of the police investigation," Chia wrote.

Chia also shared with Zaobao that he met the elder Loh during house visits.

Chia noted he was aware that the elder Loh started his day early and was his family's financial pillar of support.

"The Lohs are strong and independent. Moving forward, we will do our best to help their son realise his potential and help the family find their footing," Chia remarked.