Derailed MTR Train Back On Track

An MTR train carriage that derailed in a crash during testing of a new signalling system on Monday has been restored to the tracks, raising hopes that services on the Tsuen Wan Line could soon be back to normal.

However, the MTR said late on Tuesday that it was too early to say whether the line between Central and Admiralty would be restored to normal on Wednesday. The damaged carriage will have to be towed away while the system is out of use overnight, and more work will be required to fix damaged equipment.

Services on the Tsuen Wan Line were suspended between the two stations on Monday and Tuesday, while trains elsewhere on the line were running at as little as half of their usual frequency.

MTR chairman Fred Ma said on Tuesday that the rail operator will set up an investigation panel which will include overseas experts to look into the collision.

Transport Secretary Frank Chan said the administration had ordered the railway company to carry out an in-depth probe, adding that the government's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department will also conduct its own thorough investigation and make public its findings.

Engineering expert Peter Chiu warned that it might take a few days before the two damaged trains can be removed from the track.