Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung (first left), accompanied by officials of the MTR Corporation, visits the Yau Ma Tei MTR station after a train derailment there on Nov 13, 2022. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG – A detailed investigation into a Nov 13 train derailment indicated a metallic barrier leaned over to the track, tearing off two sets of train doors at Hong Kong’s Yau Ma Tei station and disrupting services along part of the Tsuen Wan Line for more than 15 hours.

The mounting bolts and nuts of a trackside metallic barrier broke due to serious corrosion, causing the metallic barrier to lean over to the track, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) said in its detailed investigation report submitted to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD).

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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said in a statement that it received the investigation on Thursday.

The detailed report recommended the addition of a direct alert to the Operations Control Centre on the deployment of detrainment ramp of trains and the enhancement of training to OCC and train staff

After the incident, the MTR Corporation inspected all similar barriers across the railway network at the EMSD's request to ensure the railway's safe operation and enhanced the civil structure maintenance regime with specific maintenance given to the metallic barriers.

It is also conducting a comprehensive trackside infrastructure and equipment survey, which is expected to be completed by mid-May, the government said, adding that it will continue to follow up with the survey.

The detailed report also made recommendations on detrainment and service arrangements, including the addition of a direct alert to the Operations Control Centre on the deployment of a detrainment ramp and the enhancement of training to OCC and train staff. These are to ensure detrainment in a safe and orderly manner during an emergency.

The EMSD will closely follow up with the rail firm on the progress of implementing the various recommendations proposed in the report to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, the government statement added.

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Pointing out that an independent monitoring panel established by the government has also started its work, the statement said the panel closely monitors the MTRC's comprehensive review on its asset management and maintenance regime to ensure the maintenance and operation management work keeps pace with the times, so as to maintain the safety and reliability of railway services in Hong Kong.