SMRT Inspects Tunnel Cross-Passage Doors Following 2025 Metal Cladding Incident
Rail operator SMRT has inspected all cross-passage doors in tunnels and reinforced the outer layers of doors with structural issues after an investigation revealed a detached metal cladding fell onto the left side of the rail track between Expo and Changi Airport stations on the East-West Line in September 2025.
Investigation Findings on the East-West Line Incident
At 6.13pm, the station manager sent a photo of the object to the control centre. The object was later removed.
Furthermore, the bureau found no evidence that the claddings were secured via mechanical fasteners or welding, and it was likely that the glue bonding the cladding to the door frame had deteriorated.
Wind Load Requirements and Maintenance Oversight Gaps
Pa is a measure of air pressure. The affected door from which the metal cladding fell off was replaced by SMRT in 2016.
But LTA added that it was unable to locate records informing rail operators of the document.
Did you know? Cross-passage doors in tunnels are meant to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one track tunnel to another.
Track Detection Limits and Corrective Actions Taken
As such, it did not generate an alarm to alert the control centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the metal cladding to fall onto the track?
The investigation found no evidence that the claddings were secured via mechanical fasteners or welding, and it was likely that the glue bonding the cladding to the door frame had deteriorated. Additionally, the affected door was open when the metal cladding got detached.
Were there any injuries during the September 2025 incident?
No one was injured in the incident, which took place from 5.57pm on Sept 10, 2025.
How is SMRT preventing similar incidents?
SMRT has inspected all cross-passage doors in tunnels and reinforced the outer layers of doors with structural issues, enhanced its inspection regime to include checks on door claddings, mandated the recording of all defects identified during inspections, carried out monthly sampling checks on maintenance records, and worked with LTA to include wind-load specifications into the door replacement criteria.
Who regulates transport safety investigations in Singapore?
TSIB is the air, marine and rail accidents and incidents investigation authority in Singapore, which falls under the Transport Ministry.
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