A commuter’s power bank stored in a backpack emitted smoke on a mass rapid transit train, prompting the evacuation of passengers at Buangkok station on Wednesday, July 29, according to local reports and eyewitness accounts.
Incident Details at Buangkok MRT Station
Smoke was observed emitting from a bag on the station platform of Buangkok MRT at about 5.06pm, according to SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu. Prior to that, a Xiaohongshu user stated in a post at 5.20pm that they noticed a burning smell onboard a train travelling from Hougang to Buangkok station, claiming that everyone exited the train at the next stop because a power bank inside someone’s bag was releasing smoke. Pictures circulating on social media platforms Xiaohongshu and Reddit displayed a bag and personal items covered in white powder on the platform floor.
Commuter Chen Yongwen told Lianhe Zaobao that a TransCom officer sprayed a dry powder fire extinguisher, causing the smoke from the backpack to stop shortly after. Chen noted that a man appearing to be in his 30s stated he owned the bag, mentioning that officers asked if there was a power bank inside the backpack. When AsiaOne arrived at Buangkok MRT station at approximately 6.30pm, about 15 officers from the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force were at the scene while staff cleaned white powder residue and a burnt smell lingered in the air.
Did You Know? The Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted to a power bank emitting smoke at Buangkok MRT station at about 5.10pm, and train services were operating normally by the time media reached the location.
Response and Operational Impact
A TransCom police officer responded to the incident using a dry powder fire extinguisher before the arrival of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, which was also activated. MRT staff were on site to assist commuters during the disruption. SBS Transit confirmed that no injuries were reported, and train service at Buangkok MRT station resumed within five minutes.
Train services were operating normally later in the evening, with the backpack and other items reportedly taken away by authorities. The Singapore Civil Defence Force stated that it is investigating the cause of the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the smoke emission occur?
According to SBS Transit spokesperson Grace Wu, smoke was observed emitting from the bag at about 5.06pm.
Were there any injuries reported during the evacuation?
No injuries were reported, and train services at Buangkok MRT station resumed within five minutes, according to SBS Transit.
Which agencies responded to the incident at Buangkok MRT station?
Officers from the police, including TransCom personnel, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to the scene.
What safety measures could transit operators implement next to address risks from portable electronic devices on trains?
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