Boy's MTR door tampering results in major disruption, $30k repair cost

A young boy’s actions on a MTR train led to significant disruption on Saturday as he interfered with a train door, causing it to malfunction and forcing all passengers to disembark while the train was sent for costly repairs.

The incident occurred at 3.08pm on an Island Line train heading toward Chai Wan. 

At Wan Chai Station, a boy, estimated to be between 12 and 16 years old and of non-Chinese descent, reportedly used his hand to prevent the train door from closing properly. 

The interference caused the door to malfunction, and the issue persisted until the train reached Causeway Bay Station. MTR staff promptly evacuated all passengers and sent the train to the Chai Wan depot for a thorough inspection. 

The estimated repair cost for the damaged door is approximately HK$30,000.

Police were notified at around 4pm and are investigating the case, initially classifying it as criminal damage. 

Surveillance footage from the train showed the boy, described as wearing a brown shirt, khaki pants, white shoes, black glasses, and carrying a black backpack, deliberately obstructing the door. 

The case has been handed to the Eastern District Criminal Investigation Team, with no arrests made so far.

The MTR Corporation condemned the boy’s behavior, stating that it posed a serious risk to the safety of passengers and the operation of the train. 

The company is cooperating fully with the police investigation and conducting a detailed review of the affected train and its systems to ensure safety.