From The Straits Times :

MRT breakdown: Don’t break the windows, says SMRT

If you are stuck inside a train, never smash the windows or force the doors open.

Stay calm and wait for help.

This was the advice from SMRT, a day after a massive service disruption led to about 4,000 commuters being stuck in trains that had stalled.

One frustrated commuter used a fire extinguisher to smash the glass on the door.

He should not have done so but considering the situation, he will not be penalised, SMRT officials said.

Senior vice-president for communications and services, Mr Goh Chee Kong, said that in the event of a power failure, there is a back-up system that will activate emergency lights within the carriages and provide ventilation.

If commuters have to disembark from the trains onto the tracks, the power supply will be cut off and staff deployed to guide them, he said.

Mr Goh said that SMRT works closely with schools and grassroots organisations to educate commuters on proper procedures to follow during an emergency.

Launched in 2006, the SMRT Community Emergency Preparedness programme reaches out to about 3,000 members of the public each year.

SMRT will continue to work closely with the community on the project, Mr Goh said.

However, many public cannot agree with Mr Goh Chee Kong remarks “He should not have done so but considering the situation” .. The situation is the main point.

Mr Teo Ser Luck had point out in his Facebook that :

At that moment of uncertainty, isn’t it quite clear the person who broke the window probably has to do it if someone suffocate or the next best option when nothing is certain. Why should there even be consideration for penalty ? Come on !

Clearly, I am more agreeing to Mr Teo Ser Luck than SMRT official.