On the morning of 5 August 1993, a C151electric multiple unit (EMU) train on the East West Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rear-ended another stationary train of the same type at Clementi MRT station in Singapore. The incident, the MRT's first major accident, injured 156 passengers but caused no fatalities. Investigations found that the crash was due to a maintenance vehicle that had leaked about 50 litres (11 imp gal; 13 US gal) of oil onto the tracks the previous night.
The MRT network had commenced operations in 1987, with the stretch between Outram Park MRT station and Clementi MRT station opening on 12 March 1988. By the time of the crash in 1993, the system had been in service for six years.[1]
Incident
Before the start of service, a maintenance vehicle leaked oil onto the tracks between Buona Vista MRT station and Clementi MRT station, extending to the junction with Ulu Pandan Depot. The first ten westbound trains reported braking difficulties, and the 11th had to use its emergency brakes to stop at Clementi, where it remained longer than usual to recharge its batteries. At 07:50 on 5 August 1993, the 12th train collided with the stationary 11th train at the station, injuring 156 passengers.[1][2]
Investigation
Preliminary investigation showed that the cause of the crash was a 50-litre (11impgal; 13USgal) oil spill caused by a defective rubber ring on a maintenance locomotive.[3]
Aftermath
In the aftermath of the crash, SMRT said that it would replace the faulty maintenance locomotives and purchase new ones. It also introduced a new policy for station managers to inspect tracks for oil or foreign objects before the start of service. Train services resumed the day after the crash.[1]
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