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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/2-smrt-staff-dead-in/2625352.html Services between Tanah Merah and Pasir Ris MRT stations were disrupted on Tuesday (Mar 22). The SMRT incident on Mar 22, 2016. (Photo: Sue Rosli) SINGAPORE: Two SMRT maintenance staff have died after an accident near Pasir Ris station, the transport operator confirmed on Tuesday (Mar 22). "At around 11.10am today, there was an accident involving two SMRT maintenance staff along the track at a servicing point near Pasir Ris station," said Mr Patrick Nathan, Vice-President, Corporate Information and Communications, SMRT Corp. "SCDF was immediately activated and they have confirmed that the two SMRT staff have passed away. We convey our deepest condolences to their families and will be providing support to them at this very difficult time," added Mr Nathan. "We are working with the Police to conduct a detailed investigation into this accident." The brother of a signals officer who witnessed the accident told Channel NewsAsia that the signals officer was "traumatised". Pasir Ris resident Francis Dorairaj, who was at the scene, expressed shock and disbelief. "Why were maintenance people on the track when the train was operating?" he questioned. TRAIN SERVICES DISRUPTED Train services along the East-West Line were also disrupted. SMRT announced at 11.20am on Twitter that there would be no train services between Tanah Merah and Pasir Ris in both directions until about 12.15pm. This disruption was later extended till 12.45pm, but by 1.35pm, service had not yet resumed. The train service provider updated 10 minutes later that free regular and shuttle bus services were available. The train disruption on the East-West Line on Mar 22, 2016. (Photo: Diane Leow) Social media users reported seeing personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and the Singapore Police at Pasir Ris station. According to SCDF, it was alerted to the incident at Pasir Ris MRT station at 11.11am. A fire engine, A Red Rhino, two fire bikes, two ambulances, and three support vehicles were dispatched. SCDF confirmed that two men were pronounced dead at the scene.