THE independent investigator into last month's Mass Transit Railway accident, Mr Alan Cooksey, said yesterday the chances of a similar incident happening were more than a billion to one, but added that he would recommend improvements to ensure safety for the service.
The British railway expert dismissed calls for people to be barred from standing over couplers after two carriages came apart in a tunnel on April 28.
Describing the accident as a ''one-off'', he said the accident was so unbelievable it was almost ''bizarre''.
''It was unique . . . the chances of it happening again are billions to one,'' said Mr Cooksey, who was appointed by the Governor, Mr Chris Patten, to hold an independent inquiry into the accident.
But he added: ''Nevertheless, it did occur and it is worth considering, however remote the accident probability was, if further things can be done.'' Emergency communication between passengers and controllers was likely to be a major area of the detailed recommendations in Mr Cooksey's report, due out at the end of the month.
He also called on the rail company to consider the provision of a simple electrical alarm to tell drivers if couplings were correctly engaged.
However, he told Legislative Council transport panel members yesterday that he did not feel any related legislation would improve the safety of MTR trains.