In a controversial ruling, SBS Transit has been deemed entirely accountable for a harrowing incident that left a woman trapped between train doors at Punggol MRT station. This shocking verdict arose from a civil suit filed by Ms. Ng Lai Ping after her terrifying experience on June 27, 2022.

According to Ms. Ng, she was ensnared for what she claimed was 12 seconds, whereas SBS Transit countered this, citing CCTV footage suggesting a much shorter duration of only one to two seconds. However, District Judge Sim Mei Ling ruled in favor of Ms. Ng, pointing out a clear breach of duty of care by SBS Transit.

As the case progresses, the court will determine whether SBS Transit’s negligence directly contributed to Ms. Ng’s injuries and the compensation owed to her. The transit operator now has 14 days to appeal the judgment.

What Happened on That Fateful Day?

On the morning of the incident, Ms. Ng boarded a train at Sengkang MRT, intending to travel to Little India. As the train neared Punggol, an ambiguous announcement suggested that service had resumed, but Ms. Ng, seated with five other passengers, felt compelled to wait before alighting.

As the train’s lights suddenly dimmed, signaling impending door closures, Ms. Ng described a chaotic scene where passengers scrambled to exit. In the process, she tripped in the poorly lit carriage, leading to a serious injury when her head and neck were caught between the closing doors.

Lack of Communication and Safety Protocols?

Ms. Ng alleged that SBS Transit failed to issue effective audio warnings about the train withdrawal and criticized the lack of staff in her carriage to assist passengers. She insisted the staff did not adequately inform passengers when to disembark.

In its defense, SBS Transit claimed proper procedure was followed and that an announcement about the train being out of service had been made. They posited that Ms. Ng should have recognized she needed to exit, supported by CCTV footage showing staff present at the time of the incident.

Court Findings Raise Serious Concerns

Despite SBS Transit’s defenses, Judge Sim found their arguments lacking. The evidence presented did not convincingly show that the out-of-service announcement was indeed made on the train. Moreover, the absence of crucial staff testimony raised further questions regarding safety protocols.

Judge Sim also noted the reduced number of staff assigned to train withdrawals due to post-pandemic constraints, challenging the decision-making process that left the area where Ms. Ng was seated without adequate supervision.

A Call for Accountability in Public Safety

This incident has sparked a vital conversation about the responsibility of transit operators in ensuring passenger safety. With the court's ruling, it’s imperative for SBS Transit to revisit its training and operational procedures to prevent such traumatic experiences from recurring in the future.

As the legal battle continues, many will be watching closely to see how SBS Transit responds and what changes will be implemented to enhance passenger safety on public transport.