Editorial | MTR heads have some explaining to do after latest rush-hour chaos
Misery for tens of thousands of passengers in five-hour breakdown on one of Hong Kong’s busiest rail lines
The clockwork precision of Hong Kong’s urban railway system makes it the envy of the world. But it also means the slightest glitch risks creating chaos, as witnessed in the rush-hour service breakdown on a busy rail line on Thursday evening.
The MTR Corporation should conduct a thorough inspection of its systems and ensure train services remain reliable and efficient.
The five-hour disruption to operations on the Tseung Kwan O line left tens of thousands of passengers scrambling to find alternative transport home.
There were reports of a fire and an “explosion-like noise” near Quarry Bay station, with people temporarily stranded inside tunnels.
Preliminary investigations found malfunctions in the power supply and signalling system, triggered by a displaced overhead cable component in a tunnel section that led to a short circuit.
Services were partially resumed after more than three hours, and only fully restored by 10.30pm. In response to criticism of arrangements made for passengers, the MTR Corp conceded rush-hour traffic on the roads had delayed free shuttle bus services.
The company now faces a fine of more than HK$19 million (US$2.4 million) in the wake of the disruption.