Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation testing new trains retrofitted with old signalling system in bid to replace ageing model on 4 lines
- Insider reveals operator has not ruled out train defects as a cause of Sunday’s derailment at Yau Ma Tei station
- MTR spokeswoman confirms 93 new trains are being retrofitted with existing signalling system so they can commence service as planned
The company confirmed the move as an insider on Tuesday revealed that the rail operator was still looking at various causes for Sunday’s train derailment at Yau Ma Tei station aside from a displaced metal fence.
Two sets of carriage doors were ripped off in the accident, with hundreds of passengers evacuated and services knocked out on part of the Tsuen Wan line for the rest of the day. The train involved has been in use for 35 years.
“There are possible causes right now – either the derailment was caused by a displaced metal fence by the side of the tracks or some defects of the train itself such as its anti-shock system,” the source said. “At present both causes can’t be ruled out now and the company needs further investigation.”
The insider said the young female driver was still suffering from shock after the incident and not fit for recounting the whole saga.