City Hall MRT Station hit by blackout

ALL content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.
http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC120706-0000111/City-Hall-MRT-Station-hit-by-blackout

Parts of City Hall MRT Station were hit by a power blackout that lasted for about an hour and a half yesterday afternoon.

In press statement sent out at 3.40pm, SMRT, which apologised for the inconvenience caused, said: "Our preliminary assessment indicates a switchboard electrical fault occurred at the generator room in City Hall station. We are investigating the cause of the short circuit."

The blackout occurred at about 1.30pm, with station lights, air-conditioning and television screens affected, though trains were fully operational throughout. Lifts and fare gantries were unaffected.

Lighting was progressively restored from 2pm, and all lights and escalators were working again by 3.15pm.

SMRT said the blackout affected the platforms serving north- and west-bound trains. Singapore Power described the blackout as an "internal power trip".

Due to the power trip, the internal public announcement system could not be used to alert commuters. A TODAY reporter in the station said staff used loud hailers to announce at regular intervals: "There's been a black out or power trip. Please watch your step. Trains are running as per normal."

SMRT said that around staff were dispatched to the concourse and platforms, carrying torch lights and light sticks to help commuters. They are also assisted by policemen.

Most commuters TODAY spoke to seemed relaxed about the incident. "Poh Cla", who was at the station, commented on TODAY's Facebook page that the situation seemed "quite safe and orderly". However, another commuter, who chose to remain anonymous, told our reporter: "This shouldn't be happening. We've had too many breakdowns."