LRT trains collide near KLCC, over 200 injured
Two LRT trains plying the Kelana Jaya line have collided in the underground tunnels near KLCC according to Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa.
He said the incident involved trains number 40 and 81. One of the trains are empty, but the other was carrying passengers...
Two LRT trains, number 40 and 81, plying the Kelana Jaya line have collided in the underground tunnels near KLCC.
Dang Wangi police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said 166 people sustained light injuries while another 47 are seriously hurt. They have been sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital and other nearby hospitals.
He said the collision occurred when an empty Gombak-bound train collided head-on with a driverless train carrying 213 passengers from the opposite direction.
"Both trains ran at a speed less than 40km/hour," he said, adding that the empty train was controlled by a test driver.
"The clash happened between the KLCC station and the Kampung Baru station.
"The empty train was at the wrong track. Both trains were supposed to use different tracks as they were heading towards opposite directions," he added.
From the preliminary finding, Zainal said the accident could have been caused by miscommunication from the control centre of the LRT line and so far found no element of sabotage in the incident.
The police are investigating the case under Section 201 of the Land Public Transport Act for willful act or omission endangering passenger.
Live broadcasts by 8TV and Bernama TV from the scene showed injured people being carried out of the Avenue K shopping mall onto waiting ambulances and Civil Defence Department vehicles. The KLCC station has an exit at the mall.
Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong, who rushed to the scene, said a special task force will be set up to investigate the cause of the crash.
The task force will be led by Chief Secretary of the Transport Ministry Isham Ishak, said Wee.
"In two weeks, the special task force will provide me with the finding report," he told the media at Avenue K, adding that he expected a preliminary report to be submitted to him by tomorrow.
He advised the passengers not to use the LRT service at the relevant track for the time being.
Earlier, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd said two of its Kelana Jaya line trains experienced an “incident” but did not describe the nature of the incident.
“Our team is mobilising help and rescue assistance right now. Please stay calm and follow instructions. We apologise for any worry or anxiety caused.
“We are working as quickly as possible to extend aid and rectify the situation,” it said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, photos and videos have been circulating online showing crumpled LRT train cabins, shattered glass, and injured passengers.
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