PR017/21 14 March 2021

Evacuation and Rescue Exercise Tests Operational Readiness of Full Tuen Ma Line

As part of the pre-opening preparations for the full Tuen Ma Line (TML), a major evacuation and rescue exercise was held in the early hours this morning (14 March 2021) to validate the emergency response and evacuation procedures in dealing with train incidents on the full TML which will commence operations later this year.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which a smouldering mobile phone charger caused dense smoke to spread through a train running from East Tsim Sha Tsui Station to the new TML platform of Hung Hom Station. At the same time, a loss of the train traction power was simulated with the train stopping in the tunnel. Simulated passengers on board the train were safely evacuated via the detrainment ladder and guided by station staff to walk through the tunnel to Hung Hom Station. Simulated “slightly injured passengers” were rescued and taken to safe locations for treatment and a simulated “heavily injured passenger” was transported to hospital.

Representatives from the MTR Corporation, the Fire Services Department and the Police took part in the exercise, which was observed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, and Highways Department.

“The safety of passengers and railway staff is the top priority of the Corporation. This joint exercise provided a good opportunity for personnel of the emergency and rescue services and the Corporation to confirm their coordination and rescue procedures and demonstrate the preparedness of all parties in responding to contingency situations,” said Mr Sammy Wong, Chief of Operating of MTR Corporation.

Over 140 drills and exercises simulating various scenarios will have already been carried out on the TML prior to its full service commencement later this year.

The TML, approximately 56 km long and serving 27 stations, will be the longest railway line in Hong Kong, connecting the east and west New Territories. Two new stations in Sung Wong Toi and To Kwa Wan, and new TML platforms at Hung Hom and stations will open for passenger services upon commissioning of the full TML. The TML will enhance the connectivity of the city’s railway network, providing more alternatives for passengers travelling between different districts.

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Photo Caption:

1. Simulated “injured passengers” are rescued and taken to safe locations.

2. Simulated “passengers” are evacuated from the train via the detrainment ladder and guided to walk through the tunnel to the nearby Hung Hom Station.

3. Relevant personnel coordinate and demonstrate the emergency responses during the drill.