Everything About the LRT Collision in Kuala Lumpur Tunnel, Which Injured 213 People, Summarised for You

Late last night (24 May), you might’ve gotten a notification about a train collision in Malaysia. Images and videos of the accident have also been circulating on social media.

Thankfully, there have been no deaths so far. However, 213 passengers have been injured, with 47 of them sustaining serious injuries.

What went on and what exactly went wrong with the train system?

Here’s everything you need to know about the light rail transit (LRT) collision in Malaysia.

Significant Jolt Threw Passengers Out Of Their Seats

On Monday evening (24 May) at 8:45 pm, two LRT trains crashed into each other in the Kuala Lumpur Tunnel, along Kelana Jaya LRT line—Malaysia’s busiest train line.

According to The Straits Times, Malaysian Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong announced that 213 passengers were hurt, of whom 47 were seriously injured while 166 sustained light injuries. The 47 individuals have been sent to the hospital.

Commuters had recounted that they were violently thrown out of their seats when the crash happened, causing many to sustain injuries.

One passenger, Afiq Luqman Mohd Baharudin, noted that the train began to move for a few seconds when the crash occurred.

“The accident, which happened in the tunnel near KLCC, resulted in many passengers, both seated and standing, to suffer injuries,” he said to the Malay Mail.

Some were even hurt by the broken glass panels as they were tossed around when the train suddenly stopped.

One look at the images and videos popping up on the internet reveals the seriousness of some injuries. We advise you to skip these if you don’t like seeing blood.

[Video] Perkhidmatan LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya berhadapan dengan satu insiden yang melibatkan tren bernombor 40 dan 81.

Usaha menyelamatkan mangsa sedang dijalankan.

Sumber: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad pic.twitter.com/gsbUhlgECv

— BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) May 24, 2021

I felt sorry for that uncle (In Black Polo Tee) because he looked badly injured and seemed to have difficulty breathing #LRT #KelanaJayaLine #TrainNo40 #FromKLCCToKampungBaru #EmergencyBreak pic.twitter.com/4U7tLS3A6J

— Lim Mahfudz (@LimMahfudz) May 24, 2021

My staff is in the train and he broke his ankle. This is not just some technical issue. Serious injuries okay! Mana orang yang jaga control room tuuuuuu??! https://t.co/EI0vy6AP2V pic.twitter.com/iQWavuMfj3

— Della Azri (@dfordella) May 24, 2021

Head-on Collision

The trains on the Kelana Jaya LRT line are driverless and operated from a control centre.

However, it had collided with a (thankfully) empty manually driven train coming from the opposite direction, said the head of Kuala Lumpur’s main police station at Dang Wangi, Assistant Commissioner Zainal Abdullah.

“The driver of the train could not ‘detect’ the other train because of a miscommunication at the control centre,” he said, adding that “[b]y right, the two trains should not be on the same track.”

Minister Wee revealed that the empty carriage was on a test run and was not under passenger service. Further findings would be disclosed after a launched investigation.

The LRT operator, Prasarana Malaysia, alerted commuters about the accident and has since apologised to all passengers in their statement: “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,” they added.

Difficulty in Extracting the Injured

Despite Mr Afiq and other commuters being rushed to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital for treatment, there were obstacles that the rescue team faced while trying to reach the injured on the train.

The wounded passengers had to be manually stretchered out or even had to walk on their own from the site of the crash to the nearest LRT station.

In addition, the Fire and Rescue Department spokesman highlighted that extra care had to be taken to ensure electricity on the track was cut before rescuers could access the wreckage and injured individuals obviously struggled to walk through the uneven surface and tight confines of the tunnel.

Investigation Launched

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stated in a Facebook post last night that he viewed this incident “seriously” and has “ordered the Transport Ministry and Prasarana Malaysia to conduct thorough investigations in order to ascertain the cause of this accident”.

He added that strict action will be taken immediately.

Minister Wee also announced that further investigations of the cause of the accident will commence immediately. A full report of the incident is expected to be completed in no less than two weeks’ time.

“As part of the government, we are sad to face such incidents because it is the first such accident in over 23 years of the LRT operating in Malaysia,” he said.

We sincerely hope that all affected passengers will recover well.

Feature Image: Twitter (@bernamadotcom / @dfordella)