MTR gears up for full operations of Tuen Ma Line in emergency drill

MTR corporation kick-started an evacuation and rescue exercise in collaboration with fire services and police today as part of the preparations for the full operations of the Tuen Ma Line later this year. 

The exercise aims to validate the emergency response and evacuation procedures in handling train incidents on what shall become the longest railway route in the city -- stretching the length of 56 kilometers and covering 27 stations. 

This comes as phase one of the Tuen Ma Line -- spanning across 12 stations from Wu Ka Sha to Kai Tai, has been in operation since February 14 last year. 

The exercise saw a simulation in which a smouldering phone charger caused dense smoke to spread through a train running from East Tsim Sha Tsui station to the Tuen Ma Line platform of Hung Hom Station.

Meanwhile, the train lost traction power and stopped in the tunnel, with “passengers” on board evacuated via a detrainment ladder and guided by station staff to walk through the tunnel to Hung Hom station. 

Later, some “slightly injured passengers” were taken to safe spots for treatment, whereas “heavily injured passengers” were transferred to the hospital. 

The simulation was also observed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Transport Department and Highways Department. 

MTR chief of operating Sammy Wong Kwan wai said the exercise was a good opportunity for emergency and rescue personnel and the MTR to coordinate and prepare responses for emergency situations. 

“The safety of passengers and railway staff is the top priority of the corporation,” Wong said.

The MTR spokesman said in addition to today’s exercise, over 140 similar exercises simulating various emergency scenarios would be carried out before Tuen Ma Line’s full operation later this year. 

“Two new stations in Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan, and new TML platforms at Hung Hom and Ho Man Tin stations will open for passenger services upon commissioning of the full TML,” he said.