RAIL operator SMRT yesterday broke its silence on how it has
helped the Thai teenager who lost both her legs after landing on an
MRT track and being hit by a train.
The father of 15-year-old Nitcharee Peneakchanasak, Mr Kittanesh
Peneakchanasak, 56, is suing SMRT for negligence on her behalf.
SMRT had earlier declined to comment on media reports that
quoted Mr Peneakchanasak as expressing disappointment over the
$5,000 he said the rail operator had offered as compensation.
Relating what had happened so far, SMRT said that following the
incident on April 3, it immediately began looking at how it could
help Nitcharee and her family.
'We were mindful of the special circumstances surrounding the
case: A young girl who was alone in Singapore was seriously hurt,
and needed her family by her side as she sought to overcome the
trauma and recuperate.'
To facilitate her family travelling to Singapore to be with her,
SMRT said it offered 'an initial financial support' of $10,000 to
cover the expenses incurred during their journey and stay here.
'Our help was meant to be a goodwill gesture, not compensation,' it
said. It added that this was clearly indicated to the father in
their meeting and he 'accepted our offers of help'.
Following an appeal by him through the Thai Embassy for further
help, SMRT provided a further assistance of $5,000 at the end of
last month, it said.
-- ST
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