Hundreds evacuated from Hong Kong subway after smoke billows from carriages

“At around 7.45am, when an East Rail line train heading to Lo Wu arrived at Platform 2 of Mong Kok East station, staff noticed white smoke coming from underneath the train,” the railway operator said.

“They immediately called the police and informed the fire brigade, and arranged for passengers to get off the train for safety reasons.”

MTR said the incident had a “minor” impact on East Rail services, with another train arriving a few minutes later to carry passengers.

“We have also made adjustments to our train service and changed the terminal stations of some trains in order to maintain the smooth operation of trains,” the company added.

Police said they received a report of smoke at 7:48am, with an MTR staff member saying it was coming from underneath the train and there was a burning smell.

The train was still in the station at 10:43 a.m., a source said.