news.gov.hk - Top Story - From Hong Kong's Information Services Department

The Electrical & Mechanical Services Department is looking into a fault on an engineering train that caused disruption to services on the MTR's East Rail Line yesterday.

The train, used for inspecting overhead cables, malfunctioned near Fo Tan Station yesterday morning. Train services on the East Rail Line remained operational, but travel times were extended by 10 to 15 minutes.

Upon receiving notification from the MTR Corporation (MTRC), the department immediately sent staff to the site to assess the situation and launch an investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was caused by a fault on the engineering train that prevented a lifting platform from descending. As the platform was close to the overhead cables, precautionary measures were taken before the train could be moved away.

The department said it is now conducting an investigation into the engineering train's design, maintenance and operational procedures. It has also requested that the MTRC conduct a comprehensive review of the incident, submit a report to explain its cause, and make proposals for improvement measures to prevent recurrence.

A similar engineering train broke down near Tai Wo Station on the East Rail Line, also causing service disruptions, on February 5.

Expressing grave concern over the occurrence of two such incidents affecting services within three months, the department said it will initiate a special audit to holistically review the MTRC's emergency preparedness in relation to engineering trains.

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