MTR accident calls for thorough inquiry
- Train derailment that left several injured is latest blow for railway company and will do nothing for its confidence or reputation, at home or abroad
A train derailment is rare in Hong Kong, but when it happens the consequences can be unpredictable and sometimes tragic.
Thankfully, the city’s lucky stars were aligned yesterday morning when an MTR train carrying rush-hour passengers left the tracks approaching Hung Hom station, a major interchange.
The train was not travelling fast and did not come into contact with another train in the multi-track diversion point where one carriage derailed.
Otherwise the accident could have been more serious or even disastrous. A frightening experience for passengers resulted in reports of injuries to several people, including some sent to hospital.
It was only the second time a train carrying passengers has derailed in the MTR Corporation’s 40-year history. The company will set up an investigation commission of external experts, and the government has warned it will take months to complete a full inquiry.
Disquiet about a possible cause is only to be expected as the city endures its unprecedented 15th week of anti-government protests and violence.
While not ruling out any possible cause, officials rightly discouraged speculation without factual foundation. A senior corporation source said there was no evidence that objects thrown onto the track could have caused the derailment.
Attention is bound to focus on a crack in one of the rails. Photographs of it online have fed speculation about the cause. MTR operations director Adi Lau Tin-shing said it was not clear if the crack was connected with the derailment, “but I have seen [the photo]”.
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The derailment continues a shocking run of bad news for the MTR, with cost overruns on major projects and serious service interruptions, including one lasting two days between Central and Admiralty on the Tsuen Wan line.
It can no longer be so sure of public confidence in a world class system, but that is not to say it does not have an exemplary safety record overall. However the accident will do nothing for either its confidence or reputation, at home or abroad, where it has a rapidly expanding footprint in rail-related projects and operations.
It underscores the challenge facing new chairman Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen and new chief executive Jacob Kam Chak-pui in putting the MTR back on track. A thorough inquiry that is as open and transparent as possible would help.
