Hong Kong railway experts have called for heavier penalties and increased publicity to prevent the misuse of emergency exits on trains after a recent intrusion incident on the MTR East Rail line track that caused more than two hours of disruption during evening rush hour.
The experts also cast doubt on a lawmaker’s proposal to make emergency doors less accessible, saying the move could compromise passenger safety.
A preliminary investigation found that a passenger had opened the emergency exit ramp in the rear driver’s cabin of a train that was travelling northbound from Kowloon Tong station to Tai Wai station.
The man, 35, was later found inside the tunnel near a Kowloon Tong station exit. He had suffered an electric shock.
By Saturday afternoon, he was still in a critical condition in Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin.
Legislative Council transport panel member Michael Lee Chun-keung of the Liberal Party suggested a cover – similar to a fire alarm call point – be mounted to house the emergency exit handle.
