Explosions, sparks as West Rail Line’s new train breaks down on day one
Hiccups ‘inevitable’, says MTR as first eight-car service experiences instability after just 5 hours

The first eight-car train in West Rail Line broke down on its debut day after running for less than five hours.
One of the two computers on the train reported instability issue at around 10.45am yesterday after it first started operating between Hung Hom and Tuen Mun stations at 6.05am.
While the issue did not affect the safety of train operation, MTR decided to send the train back to depot for check.
A spokesperson for the MTR said it was “inevitable” to take time for the new train to run smoothly at the beginning stage.
The conversion from seven to eight-car design was part of the Shatin to Central Link project, which was expected to open in 2019.
While there are currently 28 trains serving the West Rail Line, it would take at least 30 months to complete the entire conversion of trains. The overall carrying capacity has been aimed to enhance 14 per cent upon completion.