Rail operator SMRT has convened a panel to review an appeal submitted by the National Transport Workers Union (NTWU) against the termination of two employees.

The men were involved in a fatal track accident on March 22, in which a train hit and killed two trainee staff near Pasir Ris MRT station.

The appeal panel will comprise senior management from various business units. The panel will "ensure fair and due process", and its findings will not prejudice the ongoing investigations into the accident by the various authorities, SMRT and NTWU said in a joint statement yesterday.

"SMRT will work with NTWU to secure employment soonest for the two workers while the panel reviews the case," both parties said.

The two employees - train driver Rahmat Mohd, 49, and another who has not been identified - were let go about two weeks ago, following an internal disciplinary inquiry.

The March 22 accident killed Mr Nasrulhudin Najumudin, 26, and Mr Muhammad Asyraf Ahmad Buhari, 24, who were part of a 15-man team sent to investigate a possible fault with track equipment.

The other employee who was fired is believed to have been part of the work team on the tracks.

Adrian Lim