Anger after chaotic 2½-hour disruption on East Rail line as man opens train exit

Hong Kong commuters have complained about chaotic scenes after services on a section of the East Rail line were suspended for about 2½ hours on Friday when a passenger opened an emergency exit on a train and was later found injured in a tunnel.The disruption caused chaos during rush hour. Affected stations were packed with passengers who later had to wait in long queues for alternative transport.A passenger on the affected train said a sudden power cut occurred, leaving people feeling “suffocated” as the air conditioning was not working for more than 10 minutes.According to rail operator the MTR Corporation, the incident happened at 4.35pm when a passenger entered the rear driver’s cab and pushed open the emergency exit ramp while the train was travelling from Kowloon Tong to Tai Wai station.The train’s built-in safety system “triggered an emergency brake” and alerted the driver, the corporation said.Services between Mong Kok East and Tai Wai stations were later suspended, the corporation said. Free shuttle buses from Kowloon Tong to Tai Wai station were provided.