MTR chiefs have been ordered to make immediate ultrasound checks of all points on the underground system to prevent any possible derailment.
The Transport Department says it is concerned for public safety after a 10-centimetre crack was found in a rail near Lai King station on Thursday.
The Hong Kong Railway Inspectorate acting chief inspecting officer Woo Kin-ming said he was satisfied by the examination of three sets of points near the Lai King crack site. But he did not rule out a derailment should another fracture occur.
'The points were tested and there is no immediate danger of a derailment but we are concerned for public safety and will ask the MTR to take stronger action,' Mr Woo said.
'The next step is to check all the other points across the whole system.' Mr Woo said the branch would discuss increasing monthly ultrasound checks with British rail consultant Alan Cooksey who will arrive on August 8. The ultrasound machine can detect faults in and under a rail.
Secretary for Transport Gordon Siu Kwing-chue said Mr Cooksey's expertise was needed to solve the spate of breakdowns. There have been eight this month.
