Commuters directed out of Botanic Gardens MRT Station after electrical box overheats

Commuters at Botanic Gardens MRT Station were directed out of the premises today (Aug 19) at around 9.40am after an electrical box overheated and started to emit smoke.

One of the affected passengers, Stomper Sue alerted us to the incident.

In a Facebook message and telephone interview, she said she noticed a strong smell in the station after she alighted from the train.

She then saw SMRT staff directing passengers out of the station, and she followed accordingly.

Sue told Stomp that there were not many commuters at that point of time, and that everything was very organised.

When she was out, she saw vehicles from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in the vicinity.

In response to a Stomp query, Mr Patrick Nathan, SMRT Vice President for Corporate Communications, said:

"A fire alarm at Botanic Gardens Station on the Circle Line went off at around 9.40am this morning. This triggered safety announcements which were broadcast in the station. 

"As a safety precaution, commuters were requested to wait outside the station for a few minutes as station staff looked into the cause of the alarm.

"Investigations carried out with SCDF officers indicate that an electrical box at the station's environment control room had overheated, leading to some smoke emission. 

"The affected electrical box had its power supply turned off immediately.

"The station was reopened within 15 minutes. Train services and amenities in the station were not affected.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused." 

When contacted, the SCDF said that they are investigating the incident.