Service disruption on NSL first to be caused by lightning strike in 5 years

Past strikes may have sped up deterioration of surge arrestor that failed to work: Minister

- Kok Yufeng

The North-South Line incident on June 3, which led to huge crowds at affected stations and bus stops, is the first train service disruption caused by a lightning strike here in the past five years, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat.

As the section of track between Kranji and Marsiling stations is lightning-prone, past lightning strikes may have sped up the deterioration of a surge arrestor that failed to work that day, leading to a loss of traction power along the northern section of the MRT line, the minister added.

Giving more details about the incident in a written parliamentary reply on July 2, Mr Chee said the surge arrestor has been replaced, and checks have found that the other surge arrestors in the vicinity are in working condition.

He said rail operator SMRT had adhered to the maintenance regime recommended by the manufacturer of the component, but following the June 3 incident, the authorities are working with the manufacturer and the rail operators here to review the maintenance frequency.