Tempers Flare As Passengers Get Caught In Strike

Tempers flared at several spots as frustrated commuters who were caught in the transport chaos on Monday morning argued and even got physical at some MTR stations.

Reports from stations like Yuen Long and Tseung Kwan O say arguments erupted between those in support and against the general strike.

At Tai Po Market station, an elderly man got into arguments and fights with other people after he complained that they were blocking his way. People then stopped him from leaving, accusing him of hitting others. Some shouted abuses and threw coins at him.

Paramedics then arrived and took him away in an ambulance.

While some of the frustrated passengers fumed, some of the affected people still had sympathy for the ongoing campaign against the government.

A passenger surnamed Wong was waiting at the Wong Tai Sin station, hoping train services can soon resume so she can go to work. She said she supports the protesters' action, but can't go on strike to show solidarity.

"I support the protesters because I think they were forced to do this, by the government," she said.

A Tseung Kwan O resident surnamed Chan, who was trying to go to work by the MTR, says she doesn’t agree with the protesters’ action.

She said while she has been taking part in some recent demonstrations against the extradition bill, she doesn’t think Monday’s action could help win public support.