Fire drill on the Hengqin LRT Line strengthens emergency response capacity

The Macau Light Rapid Transit Corporation, Limited (MLM), in coordination with the Transport Bureau, the Fire Services, the Public Security Police Force, and the Customs Services, carried out an emergency rescue and evacuation exercise at 00:45 a.m. on March 6 in the tunnel section of the Hengqin Line, simulating a fire on an LRT train with the aim of strengthening emergency response ability.
 
The drill simulated a situation in which the electrical compartment of the first of four carriages of the LRT, carrying about 40 passengers, began to emit smoke while traveling between Lotus Station and Hengqin Station on the Hengqin Line, with the train coming to a complete stop in the underwater tunnel due to total loss of power. MLM staff tested the activation of emergency evacuation procedures as defined, reporting the incident and requesting support from the competent authorities. During the evacuation process, it was simulated that some passengers, in panic, pulled the emergency handle to open the doors and attempted to escape on their own. Following the driver’s communication, the evacuation of the remaining passengers was organized through the emergency pedestrian passage toward the Lotus Station platform. Passengers with reduced mobility were transferred to a nearby evacuation point to await assistance. After the arrival of the Fire Services rescue team at the underwater tunnel, search and rescue operations, firefighting, and smoke extraction from the affected train were initiated, while support was also provided to passengers who had fled on their own and to those with reduced mobility. It was further simulated that two passengers felt unwell, received first aid, and were subsequently transported to the hospital.
 
The drill concluded at 3:00 a.m., with the participation of around 130 people. The process ran smoothly and achieved the intended objectives. MLM will conduct an evaluation of the exercise in order to continuously optimize its emergency response plan and strengthen coordination and cooperation with the various entities involved.
 
 (Text provided jointly by DSAT and MLM)