Displaced Metal Barrier Behind Train Derailment: MTR

A dislodged metal barrier by the side of the tracks caused a partial train derailment over the weekend, the MTR Corporation said on Wednesday.

The railway company also said confusion over a public announcement on the evacuation of the train in question led to a "totally undesirable" exit arrangement, where some passengers had to walk along the tracks to the next station.

Several doors were ripped off a carriage as the train pulled into Yau Ma Tei Station on Sunday morning, disrupting train services on the Tsuen Wan Line for the rest of the day.

According to preliminary findings, the metal barrier, which was 2.4 metres tall and seven metres long, was slightly displaced and the train hit it, the MTR Corporation said.

Operations director Tony Lee told reporters an investigation panel has been set up to look into what caused the barrier to dislodge.

But he did not comment on whether human error might have been involved, only saying that local and overseas experts will help in the probe that is expected to take two months.

"Our investigation will cover its [the barrier's] mounting integrity, on its maintenance arrangement, on its wear and tear, and its usage, and also look into the original design intent, to find out the exact root cause of the incident and take appropriate action accordingly," Lee said.

Lee also said a public announcement following the accident did not fully convey the message that the passengers should leave the train via Yau Ma Tei Station.

He said the driver did not receive an alert about an emergency rear exit being opened as the cab at the front of the train was damaged in the accident, and it took several minutes before staff noticed people leaving from the back of the train.

The operations director added that passengers were walking along the tracks while a train bound for Whampoa departed from Mong Kok Station.

"We like to take this opportunity to thank passengers that they orderly reached Mong Kok. Having that sort of experience is totally undesirable, and I would like to say apologies again here," Lee said.

Meanwhile, the government said on Wednesday night that it received the preliminary report submitted by the MTR on the incident.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) said the report gave an account of the incident, initial findings on its cause, and the company's immediate handling and follow-up work.

"Regarding incident handling, the TLB has requested [the] MTR to review the relevant arrangements immediately to ensure proper handling of incidents and protect passenger safety," the statement read.

The spokesperson added that the MTR Corporation has set up an investigation panel to conduct detailed investigation to identify the root cause of the incident, and that relevant government departments will take part in the investigation.

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