A train derailment incident occurred at MTR Yau Ma Tei Station on Sunday morning (13th), causing multiple doors to fall off. After emergency repairs, train services on the Tsuen Wan Line returned to normal yesterday morning. Li Jiarun, director of train operations of the MTR, revealed yesterday that it is initially believed that a metal guardrail component on the side of the tunnel track was displaced and collided with the train, causing the train to deviate. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, asked MTR to submit a preliminary investigation report tomorrow (16th).
Lee Ka-run revealed in a RTHK program yesterday that it is initially believed that the incident was caused by the displacement of a metal guardrail component next to the tunnel track, which collided with the train and caused the train to deviate. The MTR will examine the use, maintenance, wear and tear and design of the relevant components to see if any human error is involved. External experts will conduct in-depth investigations to confirm the actual cause. As for whether the maintenance of the components is to be undertaken by MTR itself or outsourced, Li Jiayun said that maintenance involves various arrangements and guidelines, and will review the maintenance procedures of the relevant components.
Zhang Xinyu: It is necessary to review equipment maintenance and repair
Zhang Xinyu, vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on Railway Matters of the Legislative Council, estimated that the maintenance of the protective cover of the exhaust fan in the displaced track was insufficient, which caused the protective cover to loosen, or it was not tightened following the track works, which led to the accident. Zhang Xinyu believes that together with the incident of the door being thrown off at Causeway Bay Station in December last year, it shows that the MTR has a lot of room for improvement in the maintenance of track equipment, and it is necessary to review the maintenance arrangements.
In addition to the cause of the incident, the public is concerned regarding the evacuation arrangement of passengers following the accident. Among them, 600 people were evacuated through the Yau Ma Tei platform, and regarding 150 passengers left through the emergency escape route at the rear of the train. They walked from Yau Ma Tei Station to Mong Kok Station along the tunnel track in the dark. The Tang Line to Huangpu train runs in parallel. Zhang Xinyu pointed out that according to the code, the relevant position of the maintenance personnel should not be at the same time as the moving train. Passengers have not received railway training and are not familiar with the environment.
Huang Kunwei, the head of train operations of the MTR and the head of the local railways, was asked on the Hong Kong TV program whether the staff provided assistance during the evacuation of the passengers along the track. He responded that the passengers opened the emergency ramp and walked along the Tsuen Wan line to the Mong Kok station. The MTR learned Later, staff were arranged to help passengers return to the platform at Mong Kok Station, and personnel were also sent to inspect the tunnel to ensure that no one was staying. As for whether the passenger asked to open the escape passage at the rear of the car, or it was instructed by the captain, MTR said it will investigate further.
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Lam Sai-hung, responded to the accident once more when he met with the media yesterday followingnoon. He believed that the MTR completed the restoration yesterday morning and minimized the impact, but he has asked MTR to submit a preliminary investigation report tomorrow, including the preliminary cause of the accident, follow-up work and Evacuation methods, etc., and the entire investigation must be completed within two months; the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has instructed MTR in writing to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facilities and structures of the railway network, and conduct regular inspections and maintenance to ensure reliability and safety.
Originally published on AM730 https://www.am730.com.hk/Local/Preliminary investigation report must be submitted – MTR – Derailment due to displacement of metal guardrail components / 347861?utm_source=yahoorss&utm_medium=referral
