Tuesday, 12 August 2014

MRT Breakdown!

It was another mundane day at school - more homework, more tests and more projects. I trudged wearily to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station to wait for the train that would take me home. I stared at my watch impatiently while waiting for the train to arrive. When it arrived, I dashed into the train and grabbed a seat to rest my tired legs. I could feel the cool breeze from the air-conditioner carassing my face. Stifling a yawn, I decided to take forty winks.
I could feel myself falling into a sweet slumber when suddenly the train jerked, causing me to surge forward. Thinking it was just nothing,  I continued resting my eyes, unaware of my surroundings. All of a sudden, the train screeched and came to a sudden stop. Frowning, I rubbed my eyes open but only to see pitch-black darkness.
I screamed. The lady beside me screamed. Pandemonium soon broke out. The ventilation stopped, the air-conditioner was also not functioning. I could see a beam of light. It came from a man's phone. The man shone the light around the train, asking if anyone was injured. Soon others followed. I glanced around, only to see an old man, seated next to me panting, clutching his chest. Quickly, I fished out my exercise book and fanned the old man. I could see a smile forming on on his face. I smiled back.
Out of the blue, the old man collapsed. Using my quick wits, I took my bag and placed it under the head of the old man. A group of teenagers who had seen what had happened, rushed towards the old man, checking for his pulse.
"Someone press the emergancy button! The old man collapsed!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. Cold sweat was dripping down my forehead. I was panicking, looking at the chaos around me. I was sure we were going to suffocate in the hell hole, before help arrived. Just as I was about to give up hope, another beam of light could be seen in the dark tunnel. It was the rescuers! Everyone squealed in delight.
When the rescuers pried open the train door, everyone rushed out of the MRT carriage like chained birds being released. The teenagers carried the old man up and carefully walked towards the nearest station.
Upon arrival, a loud voice blared over the Public Address system, "Dear passengers, the MRT tracks from Ang Mo Kio and Bishan needs some maintenance. Please kindly make your way to the nearby bus-stops. Our buses will send you to your destination. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience caused.'
I could hear the commuters waiting for the train grumbling and groaning. Right outside the MRT station, ambulances was in sight. The well-trained paramedics rushed towards the old man. They carefully carried the old man onto the stretcher. I heaved a sigh of relief. The old man could finally get proper medical assistance.
"Fresh air at last!" I could hear some voices. When I got home, I related the ordeal I had just experienced to Mum. She praised me for my quick wits and was proud of me. What a day!

1 comment:

  1. There is a spelling mistake at one of the paragraphs 'emergency' was spelled as 'emergancy' . Not big of a deal but do check grammar, spelling and punctuation before posting. By the way, love the story! 😀😀

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