SMRT worker's foot amputated after accident that delayed train service on East-West Line

An SMRT worker who was involved in an accident on the East-West Line yesterday (Dec 12) has had his right foot amputated.

Stomp previously reported on the accident that caused the start of train service between Gul Circle and Boon Lay stations to be delayed by about an hour till 6.20am.

According to The Straits Times, the man, who is in his late 50s, had his right foot crushed by a track tamping vehicle while carrying out maintenance works.

The vehicle is used to compact the ballast that supports the tracks.

He was conscious when taken to the National University Hospital in an ambulance, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

"Our staff's right foot was injured as he was on track preparing for an engineering vehicle to move back to the depot after completion of maintenance works this morning," said SMRT corporate communications vice-president Margaret Teo yesterday.

The man's two sons told ST their father is in a stable condition after an operation in the morning.

He is warded in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).

They said their father could chat normally to family members and colleagues, but was still in a state of shock. The man is married with three adult children.

SMRT said it will carry out a full investigation into the accident, and added that its maintenance teams observed a safety time out yesterday morning. The rail operator is providing the necessary care and support to its employee and his family, Ms Teo said.

However, SMRT declined to comment on how the accident occurred and would only say investigations were ongoing.