Hong Kong train derailing: services returning to MTR East Rail line as fourth crack revealed
- One platform reopens at Hung Hom station, but disruption ongoing with cross-border travel also affected
- Services resuming after three carriages came off the track on Tuesday morning, injuring eight passengers
A fourth crack has been discovered on the track near to Hung Hom station as services partially returned to the MTR line where a train derailed a day earlier.
One of two platforms serving the East Rail line has reopened at the major interchange, which was closed for nearly 24 hours after several carriages of a commuter train came off the track on Tuesday morning.
It was revealed on Wednesday that another crack had been discovered on the track, bringing the total to four, according to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, which is to investigate the incident on the government’s behalf.
The derailment on Tuesday as the train approached Hung Hom station was the most serious in Hong Kong for two decades, with five passengers taken to hospital.
Cheung Kim-ching, chief engineer of railways at the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, said part of the track was completely torn apart where there were two fractures measuring 30mm and 45mm in width.
“It will be one line of inquiry. We will invite experts to examine the material on whether the cracks were the cause or the result of the incident,” Cheung told a radio programme.