Smoking Ang Mo Kio MRT escalator causes trouble, one SMRT worker hospitalised

A little after 1:00pm yesterday, February 5, an escalator in Ang Mo Kio MRT station started releasing smoke, and has caused one train worker to be hospitalised.

The escalator in question was one of the three that lead down a linkway towards the Ang Mo Kio hub.

In a report by Today Online, the train authorities immediately cordoned off the three escalators being used in the station. The linkway was also closed. Police were called to the scene.

What happened to the escalator?

According to the same report, SMRT, the train operator, said that overhead load bearings were responsible for the smoke coming out of the Ang Mo Kiko MRT escalator.

A statement from SMRT to the media said that, “Initial investigations show that the smoke could have come from overheated motor bearings in the faulty escalator which was replaced earlier today. Further checks will be carried out before the escalator is put back in service.”

What did the commuters think?

According to a report by the Straits Times, 15-year-old Clive Chua said that there was a very strong rubber smell that was emanating from the area of Ang Mo Kio station. The stench was unbearable and people had to cover their mouths and noses.

Another commuter, Gerald Tan who is 27 years old, also said that there was a strong smell going from the escalators as he passed through the station, describing the scent as “strong burning motor oil smell.”

What does the station look like now?

According to reports, the two escalators next to the faulty one have been turned off for safety checks. However, the public can still use these escalators

Extra ground staff have been deployed to guide commuters.

Elderly and persons with disabilities have priority to use the lift. The linkway has now been opened but only two escalators (while turned off) may be used.

Not the first time a station emitted smoke

A few months ago, Tanjong PAgar station emitted smoke because of a freon gas leak. Lots of smoke were reportedly seen by commuters once the doors of the train opened.

According to a report from Channel News Asia, SMRT said that the freon gas leak caused limited visibility in the station. Commuters, on the other hand, also mentioned the fuel-like smell and a lot of smoke.

Don’t walk on escalators

While some people would say that one side of the escalator is for standing and the other side if for walking, Japanese people and their train system beg to differ.

According to our previous post, Tokyo Metro Station launched a campaign to teach people that escalators are only for standing. The Japanese station said that more accidents and problems arose when people are allowed to walk on escalators.

They said that walking on escalators can damage the hardware, and that having people stand only on one side can put all the weight there, which may lead to accidents and deterioration of the escalator.

Will you be taking escalators in SMRT stations soon? Let us know in the comments!

Header image from Facebook.