Air-con malfunction sparks MTR train evacuation

Passengers were evacuated at North Point Station after they reported a burning smell and sparks from the air conditioning unit of a westbound MTR Island Line train.

Several fire trucks were seen outside Central Station on standby after the incident, and firefighters assisted the rail giant staff in inspecting the train. 

The MTR Corporation said a passenger pressed the emergency button on the train bound for Kennedy Town at around 6 am this morning. Staff boarded the train and found sparks and a smell of burning coming from the air-con unit.

Passengers were evacuated when the train stopped at North Point station for safety concerns. No injuries were reported and the Island Line services were minorly affected. The train later stopped at the siding between Admiralty and Central stations for inspection.

Initial investigations revealed malfunctioning air conditioning units and electrical components that led to the incident. The train has been sent back to the depot for a thorough inspection.