Editorial | Latest incident deals yet another blow to reputation of MTR
- Derailment of train at busy station and evacuation of passengers raise further questions over safety of Hong Kong’s rail system
A 15-hour service disruption along the busiest section of Hong Kong’s train system is more than just a nightmare for the public.
Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the images of a train with two sets of doors ripped off and wedged inside glass-panelled platforms at Yau Ma Tei station underlined the severity of the incident.
Initial investigations showed the train hit “metal devices” next to the tracks, derailing a bogie attached to the bottom of the front carriage. Some 150 passengers reportedly escaped from the emergency exit at the rear of the train and walked along the track to Mong Kok station, further raising concerns over the safety of evacuation procedures.
The rail operator rightly apologised and undertook to commission external experts to carry out a full independent investigation. The service along a key section of the Tsuen Wan line was suspended for the rest of the day and inconvenienced weekend travellers.
The impact would have been much worse had the incident occurred on a work day. The service was fully back to normal by yesterday morning.