LCQ15: Railway disaster response mechanism
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Question:
After the official commissioning of the MTR East Rail Line cross-harbour extension last month, the MTR Admiralty Station has become a "mega station" and a converging point for interchange between four railway lines. There are views pointing out that as the station is crowded with people from time to time, and its depth even reaches about 50 metres from ground level, it is necessary for the Government to formulate a disaster response mechanism with the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), so as to protect the lives of a large number of passengers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has requested the MTRCL to formulate mechanisms in respect of the following matters:
(i) assisting passengers in emergency evacuation in case of a catastrophic incident occurring at the Admiralty Station; and
(ii) conducting evacuation drills at the Admiralty Station on a regular basis, and inviting the participation of the following persons: passengers who frequently travel to and from the station, staff working in commercial buildings near the station, staff of the Central Government Offices, and officers of the relevant government departments;
if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(2) as it is learnt that the Hong Kong Jockey Club Disaster Preparedness and Response Institute has supported government departments in developing virtual reality simulations to enhance training effectiveness, whether the Government will discuss with the Institute the design of training programmes that enhance government officers' capability in coping with railway disasters, and require that the relevant government officers must receive such training?
Reply:
President,
Having consulted the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Transport Department (TD) and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), my reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung is as follows:
To ensure safety and reliability of railway services, the Government requires the MTRCL to formulate contingency plans for different emergency incidents. Relevant government departments also conduct site inspections, as well as regular drills and exercises with the MTRCL at various railway lines and stations, in order to ensure the contingency measures could be implemented smoothly when needed. To this end, the MTRCL has formulated contingency measures for major incidents and service disruptions for all MTR lines and stations so as to ensure passenger safety.
Before new railway lines and stations commence services, the MTRCL will step up efforts in conducting drills to test various contingency plans and passenger evacuation procedures, with a view to providing safe and reliable railway services to passengers. Before commissioning of the East Rail Line cross-harbour extension, the MTRCL conducted various kinds of drills with relevant government departments at the new railway section, new Exhibition Centre Station, as well as extended areas of the Admiralty Station and Hung Hom Station, in order to test the capability of handling different situations such as fire, flooding, extreme weather, public events and train services disruption. For example, in the early hours on March 23 this year, the MTRCL co-ordinated a major joint emergency and rescue exercise with the Fire Services Department (FSD) and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). The exercise was conducted to validate the emergency response and passenger evacuation procedures in dealing with train incidents, as well as the co-ordination and communication among major emergency services departments under contingency scenarios. The MTRCL staff and emergency services personnel participated in the exercise, while the EMSD, the TD and the Highways Department were present to observe.
According to the existing contingency measures, once a major incident occurs at a station, the MTRCL will immediately contact emergency services personnel and relevant government departments, such as the TD, the FSD and the HKPF. In accordance with the contingency plans, the government departments will co-ordinate with and assist the the MTRCL in taking forward its contingency measures. The MTRCL will also expeditiously disseminate information to passengers and the media, such as through showing emergency evacuation instructions on information display panels and broadcasting relevant information at stations, reminding passengers to follow instructions of MTRCL staff and emergency services personnel and leave the station immediately. Signs at station exits will be illuminated so that passengers may follow instructions to evacuate. For the Admiralty Station, besides the existing six entrances/exits, there are also emergency exits for evacuation of passengers. Station staff will also provide assistance to passengers in need.
Besides, the MTRCL has been promoting railway safety awareness through various channels. Apart from reminding passengers through regular station broadcasts and advertisements, the MTRCL has published the "Travel Safely Every Day in the MTR" booklet which provides information on safety and security when taking the MTR, including emergency equipment and emergency evacuation procedures in stations, platforms and trains. The MTRCL has also produced short educational videos on evacuation from trains and stations to help passengers understand how they could ensure the safety of their own and others during emergencies. The MTRCL also collects passenger feedback on railway safety and emergency response procedures through different channels, and reviews its contingency plans from time to time, with a view to providing passengers with safe and reliable railway services.
Relevant government departments have been working and liaising closely with the MTRCL in providing training for emergency services personnel for handling of railway incidents through on-site and virtual reality drills. The Government will continue to urge the MTRCL to enhance training of staff in handling such situations. In the meantime, various government departments will continue to monitor relevant training to enhance the ability of emergency services personnel in handling emergencies, thereby ensuring safety of members of the public.
Ends/Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Issued at HKT 12:45
Issued at HKT 12:45
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