Rescue services put through paces in Light Rail 'drama'
An emergency response exercise at the new Light Rail viaduct in Tuen Mun yesterday was branded a success by officials after rescue teams helped clear 20 'seriously injured passengers' within 30 minutes.
The exercise, which simulated a Light Rail vehicle derailment at a point crossing on the viaduct in Pui To Road, was held to test the responsiveness and co-ordination of staff. Police, fire services and Tuen Mun Hospital workers carried out the rescue.
KCRC spokesman Siu Kam-hang said the 'test was successful ... and the response time was quite good'.
The Fire Services Department arrived within six minutes and helped clear the 20 passengers.
The Transport Department also took part by co-ordinating the provision of emergency transport services and conducting site inspections.
Mr Siu said two such simulated accident exercises were normally held each year, although yesterday's test was a special case to prepare for the opening of the Light Rail viaduct.
He said more exercises would be conducted before the commissioning of the new Light Rail sections in the Tin Shui Wai extensions and the Pui To Road viaduct.
