Flashes spotted at Tanah Merah around time lightning struck trackside equipment near Bedok MRT Station

Stomper Robert was enjoying the weather from his balcony near Tanah Merah MRT Station on Nov 20 as flashes of lightning lit up the sky.

The Stomper started filming the storm from 3.51pm, shortly after lightning reportedly hit trackside equipment near Bedok MRT Station.

Robert, who had recently moved to Singapore from Europe said, "This lightning storm was definitely one of the worst since I arrived".

It was previously reported by The Straits Times that lightning had struck a train near Tanah Merah MRT Station.

An MRT train captain was taken to Changi General Hospital following the incident and was warded.

Train operator SMRT has refuted that the lightning strike hit the train as it approached Bedok station.

Instead, it said in a statement that trackside equipment was affected by lightning, causing a disruption, reports The Straits Times.

"After the lightning incident, the train was immediately able to recover and move on its own power, moving passengers safely to Bedok station. At Bedok station passengers alighted and the train was promptly withdrawn from service to allow for a thorough inspection by our engineers," said SMRT spokesman Patrick Nathan.

It added that the train driver has also been on medical leave for two days over the weekend.

"He has been assessed to be well and remains under observation," said Mr Nathan.

He added that it is safe for commuters to travel in trains during lightning storms as trains are protected by a Faraday cage.