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Software error to blame for two-hour Hong Kong MTR stoppage that left tens of thousands stranded

Transport operator says problematic code has been fixed, and improved recovery procedures put in place

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The suspension left 14 trains stuck in between stations. Photo: Edward Wong

An investigation into the worst service interruption on the MTR’s East Rail Line in years has concluded that a software coding error was to blame for a control system failure that left tens of thousands of commuters stranded.

On the morning of January 11, the entire vital rail link between the eastern New Territories and Kowloon was suspended from about 9.30am for more than two hours.

The inquiry confirmed that the fault arose due to a hidden software coding error in the train control system (TCS) software module related to a specific command, an MTR spokesman said on Monday, after the operator submitted the investigation results to the government.

The suspension saw 14 trains stuck in between stations.

The incident caused a suspension of the East Rail Line train service for 122 minutes. Photo: Edmond So
The incident caused a suspension of the East Rail Line train service for 122 minutes. Photo: Edmond So

Passengers on two trains in Fanling and Fo Tan were seen forcing the doors open and walking along the tracks to get to a station.

Shuttle buses were provided between Kowloon Tong and Lo Wu, but there was a backlog of passengers at many stations.

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