Smoke emits from commuter’s backpack at Buangkok MRT station; no injuries reported

SINGAPORE – Smoke was seen emitting from a commuter’s bag at Buangkok MRT station on July 29, leading to a five-minute pause in train service.

Transport operator SBS Transit, in response to queries, said the incident occurred at about 5pm at the platform of the station, which is on the North East Line.

A Public Transport Security Command (TransCom) police officer had responded to the incident, spokesperson Grace Wu said.

“Our staff were also on site to assist commuters, while the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was activated in response to the incident,” she added.

“No injuries were reported, and train service at Buangkok MRT station resumed within five minutes.”

Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao reported on July 29 that the TransCom officer had used a fire extinguisher on the backpack.

The smoke disappeared after a few minutes, though the area was briefly covered in white powder from the extinguisher, added Zaobao.

A commuter who was on the train heading towards Punggol Coast MRT station told Zaobao that he saw a woman on the platform at Buangkok MRT station asking for help.

Two TransCom officers, who happened to be on a train, alighted to assist her, he said.

Shortly after, all commuters on the train were told to disembark.

The commuter said that a man later stepped forward to claim the backpack after officers asked for its owner.

“The officers then asked him if there was a power bank in the backpack, but I didn’t hear his answer clearly,” he said.

The Straits Times has contacted SCDF for more information.