Government concerned about MTRCL East Rail Line engineering train fault causing service disruptions
Yesterday morning (April 27), an engineering train used for inspecting overhead cables by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) malfunctioned near the East Rail Lines Fo Tan Station. During the incident, train services on the East Rail Line remained operational, but travel times were extended by 10 to 15 minutes.
Upon receiving notification of the incident from the MTRCL, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) immediately dispatched personnel to the site to assess the situation and launch an investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by an equipment fault, which prevented the lifting platform from descending. As the platform was located close to the overhead cables, precautious measures were required before the engineering train could be relocated.
EMSD is now conducting a comprehensive investigation into the design, maintenance and operational procedures of the engineering train. EMSD has requested the MTRCL to conduct a comprehensive review on the incident and submit an investigation report to explain the cause of the incident and make proposals on improvement measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Additionally, on the morning of February 5 this year, another engineering train used for lifting operations broke down near Tai Wo Station on the East Rail Line, also causing service disruptions. EMSD has expressed grave concern over the occurrence of two engineering train-related incidents affecting train services within three months. EMSD will also initiate a special audit to holistically review MTRCL's maintenance emergency preparedness concerning engineering trains.
AFCD reminds hikers to pay attention to hiking safety during holidays
In light of the expected increase in hikers to country parks during the New Year holidays, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 31) urges hikers to pay attention to safety and to use the designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the AFCD.
The AFCD has placed information boards and directory signs at appropriate locations within the country parks. Warning signs have also been installed near dangerous areas in the country parks, reminding hikers not to enter those areas to avoid accidents.
The AFCD reminds the public that the cliffs near the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform in Sai Kung have been weathered and eroded over the years. Hikers must follow the waymarks, stay on the designated hiking trails and refrain from striding over railings. The AFCD has added barriers and placed warning signs around the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform and surrounding areas to prevent hikers from wandering into dangerous areas, hence avoiding accidents. During the New Year holidays, the AFCD will deploy additional staff to disseminate messages about hiking safety at the viewing platform and surrounding areas, to ensure the safety of hikers.
The AFCD promotes comprehensive information about trails through the "Enjoy Hiking" website (www.hiking.gov.hk) to help hikers select suitable routes. The website also provides comprehensive database on various hiking trails, including trail length, difficulty and nearby facilities, for hikers to plan hiking trips that are suitable for themselves according their personal conditions. The website also lists out high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid visiting those areas.
For information on hiking safety, please visit the AFCD page (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_gac/cou_wha_whe_sat.html).
Source: AI-found images
