MTR’s preliminary findings link two fires at Lam Tin Station on October 13 and 14 to different electrical faults. Both incidents disrupted train services during peak hours. The Transport and Logistics Bureau and MTR submitted the findings to the Legislative Council on October 27.
The first fire broke out beside a track switch during the evening rush hour on October 13. MTR’s preliminary investigation found that insulating rubber at the switch assembly had failed, allowing electricity to pass between the train’s traction circuit and the station ground. The resulting short circuit produced high current and sparks before the fire.
The following day, electrical equipment in a machine room overheated and produced smoke. The preliminary account linked the incident to a portable grounding switch that remained closed after the previous day’s fire for safety reasons. Sustained high current through a connection worsened wear and exceeded its capacity, causing cable grounding components to overheat.
MTR said it had checked the same type of insulating rubber across its running lines and found no abnormalities. It is examining whether the material’s condition, the site environment or other factors affected the insulation, and has contacted the equipment supplier for help. An independent external expert has also been engaged. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has joined the investigation, and the government has required MTR to provide a detailed report and improvement measures within one month.
The service disruptions also trigger fare rebates under MTR’s existing Service Performance Rebate mechanism. HK01 reported that the next fare offer was expected to match the half-price fares offered on October 24. Under the mechanism, delays of 31 minutes or more require fare discounts.