Damaged cable disrupts East Rail services for hours

East Rail passengers were hit by delays on Sunday as services between Tai Po Market and Fanling were suspended for hours because of a damaged overhead cable and repair work took longer than expected.

While most MTR lines gradually returned to normal after the Observatory lowered the typhoon signal to No. 8 at 7.10am, the East Rail was disrupted due to the damaged cable near Tai Wo Station.

A large crowd gathered at Tai Po Market Station as services finally resumed around 2pm.

The rail operator said maintenance work took longer than expected due to numerous fallen trees and multiple points of damage to the overhead cable.

One woman, who waited 40 minutes for train services to restart, described the scene as chaotic.

"I think there were just way too many people. I think the staff wanted to give instructions, but the situation was too chaotic," she said.

Another passenger also said she was frustrated.

"The arrangement is too inflexible, and it’s not the first time – it has happened many times before," she said.

"So many people have to waste their time, especially the elderly and children. There should be better order, and staff should let passengers in in batches."

Another commuter, however, took things in his stride, saying the delays were acceptable.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...