Train services on Hong Kong’s Kwun Tong Line gradually resumed on Monday evening after a fire beside the tracks at Lam Tin Station disrupted journeys during the evening rush hour. The incident forced the temporary suspension of services between Kwun Tong and Tiu Keng Leng, while Lam Tin Station was closed as firefighters tackled the blaze and railway staff carried out safety checks.
The disruption began at around 5.55pm, when the MTR Corporation announced adjustments to train services. With the affected section temporarily out of operation, commuters travelling through the area faced delays and were advised to allow additional time for their journeys.
Police said they had received a report of a fire beside the tracks at approximately 5.30pm and dispatched officers to the scene. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Fire Extinguished at Lam Tin Station
Firefighters and MTR staff brought the blaze under control by approximately 6.30pm, according to the railway operator. However, extinguishing the fire did not immediately restore normal train operations.
Safety checks were carried out before services could gradually resume. Such checks are necessary following a trackside incident to help establish whether railway infrastructure and surrounding areas are safe for trains to operate.
The MTR did not provide further details about what caught fire or the extent of any damage. Authorities had yet to establish the cause of the incident.
The temporary closure of Lam Tin Station and the suspension of trains between Kwun Tong and Tiu Keng Leng affected passengers travelling through this section of the line. Commuters using the route during the evening peak period were among those who needed to adjust their travel plans.
Free Shuttle Buses Arranged for Passengers
To help passengers complete their journeys, the MTR arranged free shuttle buses connecting Kwun Tong, Lam Tin and Yau Tong.
The alternative transport service provided a way for commuters to travel between the affected stations while normal rail operations were interrupted. Passengers were encouraged to check their routes before setting off and leave extra time for journeys that depended on connections along the Kwun Tong Line.
The railway operator also advised commuters to consider using other rail lines or alternative forms of transport where possible.
Passengers travelling to work, returning home or making connections with other transport services could face longer journeys because of the suspension. Those heading towards the affected stations were advised to account for possible delays rather than assume that trains were running on their usual schedule.
Citybus and KMB Increase Selected Services
The disruption also prompted additional support from Hong Kong’s bus operators.
Citybus and KMB increased services on selected routes to help accommodate passengers affected by the railway interruption. The additional bus services were intended to ease pressure on alternative transport options while train operations were being restored.
The response involved coordination across different transport options, giving commuters alternatives to the suspended rail section. However, the available information did not specify which bus routes received additional services or how many extra buses were deployed.
Passengers relying on buses were advised to check service information before travelling, particularly if their journeys involved changing between rail and road transport.
Investigation Underway as Services Resume
Police received the initial report of the trackside fire at about 5.30pm, roughly 25 minutes before the MTR announced service adjustments at 5.55pm. Firefighters and railway staff extinguished the blaze by around 6.30pm, after which safety inspections took place and train services began gradually resuming.
The incident raised immediate questions about what caused the fire and whether any railway equipment or infrastructure was affected. However, authorities had not released a confirmed explanation, and no cause should be assumed while the investigation remains ongoing.
The MTR’s priority following the incident was to restore services after the affected area had undergone safety checks. The operator urged passengers to allow extra travel time and consider other routes until normal operations were restored.
Commuters using the Kwun Tong Line should check the latest MTR service announcements before travelling, especially if their journeys pass through Lam Tin, Kwun Tong or Yau Tong.
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