22nd December 2024 – (Shanghai) This morning, a significant incident occurred on the Shanghai Metro when a construction crane toppled onto the tracks, resulting in a collision with an oncoming train of Line 11. According to reports, passengers described the impact as extremely forceful, leading many to believe the train was derailing.
The incident took place at approximately 7.56am. Witnesses recalled the moment of impact, stating that the force sent all passengers lurching forward due to inertia. The metro driver reacted swiftly, applying the emergency brakes. Following the collision, rescue teams arrived to assist passengers, who were subsequently evacuated by walking along the tracks to the nearest station, Chenxiang Road.
Passenger Mr Wang, who was aboard a train behind the one that collided, reported being trapped for around 50 minutes due to a power failure that left the carriage cold. Once the doors were opened by staff, passengers were guided to proceed along the narrow track, with Mr Wang noting that it took him 20 minutes to reach safety. He observed that the section of track involved in the collision appeared severely damaged, resembling a broken bridge.
Shanghai Metro officials confirmed that the incident resulted from a construction crane encroaching onto the railway, causing damage to both the track and the train. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers. Efforts are currently underway to repair the affected facilities and restore service.
The Ministry of Emergency Management has dispatched a response team to oversee the situation and ensure proper handling of the aftermath. As investigations continue, the incident raises concerns about safety protocols regarding construction activities in proximity to operational railways.
