MTR Corp urged to probe possible human error after Hong Kong Island line shutdown

Hong Kong’s rail operator has been urged to investigate whether human error was behind the recent 1½-hour partial shutdown of the Island line and to strengthen staff training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Former lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu, also ex-MTR Corporation engineer, said on Thursday that the previous day’s disruption was very likely caused by noncompliance with maintenance protocols.

“The coming investigation should focus on whether maintenance protocols were strictly followed,” Zhang, now director of the Smart Transportation Alliance, told a radio show.

“Unless they encountered an unprecedented mechanical failure, the chances of human error are nowhere near low.”

Objects, including vehicle components and signalling equipment, found on the track segment between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay stations. Photo: Handout

Train services between Sheung Wan and Quarry Bay stations were suspended shortly after the Island line began operating at 6.07am on Wednesday. They resumed at 7.30am.

The MTR said items from a maintenance vehicle and damage to track equipment caused the disruption, describing the incident as “rare”.

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