Park train reopens
The Ocean Express tunnel railway at Ocean Park was allowed to reopen yesterday - but at lower speeds - after an accident on December 6 in which seven passengers were injured.
The move came with a list of new safety measures to prevent a repetition of the incident, in which an operator triggered the braking system by mistake, bringing two trains to a sudden halt. The measures, approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, include a reduction of the train's maximum speed from 10 metres a second to seven.
A spokeswoman said the ride, which connects the waterfront and summit areas of the park through a tunnel, would now take about four minutes instead of three.
As an investigation showed that the abrupt stop was caused by an operator, an extra attendant has been placed on each train.
Other measures include the installation of transparent flip covers over brake switches and prominent labels on control panels.
The park has also strengthened safety messages inside the vehicle and posted warning signs to remind guests to hold the handrails.
The operator has been suspended while an internal probe continues.
