MTR Corp reveals linked faults behind 2 disruptions at Lam Tin station in 15 hours

Two service disruptions at Lam Tin station within 15 hours earlier this month were linked, with a failed rubber insulating component causing an overloaded cable connection, the MTR Corporation has said.

In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council’s transport panel on Tuesday, the rail operator said its preliminary investigation found that the component’s failure caused a short circuit and fire in the first incident. This in turn led to an overloaded cable connection, which overheated and caused the second disruption.

The MTR Corp also pledged to offer a special day of fare concessions once accumulated penalties for service disruptions reached HK$25 million (US$3.2 million).

At about 5.30pm on October 13, train services between Kwun Tong and Tiu Keng Leng stations were suspended after a rubber insulating component in a track turnout at Lam Tin station caught fire. Services resumed about an hour later.

The following day, services on the Kwun Tong line were disrupted at about 8.30am when cables overheated in an electrical room on the station platform, prompting trains to skip Lam Tin. Normal services resumed by 10am.

The operator said the first incident occurred when the rubber insulating component failed, causing a short circuit and a fire.

“MTR Corp is currently working with experts to conduct relevant technical and laboratory tests to further ascertain the cause of the incident,” it said.

Its preliminary investigation into the second incident found wear and tear on cables at a connection point inside the electrical room.

MTR Corp said a cable switch in the room had remained closed after the first incident. This overloaded a cable connection, causing electricity to flow along unintended paths and earth cables to overheat.

The rail operator said it had since repaired the connection, replaced the damaged cables and fully restored train services, while adding that further investigation was needed to establish the detailed causes of both incidents.

It pledged to submit a report setting out its findings and improvement measures within one month of the incidents and to conduct a comprehensive review of the railway system.