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A faulty track switch has been identified as the main cause behind the Light Rail Transit (LRT) derailment near Chan Sow Lin station on Thursday, 28 May
According to initial findings from Rapid KL and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the derailment occurred after a station switch, a mechanical system that guides trains from one track to another, failed as the train passed through.
The incident involved a train on the Ampang-Sri Petaling Line carrying 25 passengers.
Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
So what exactly happened?
Loke explained that the first carriage of the train had successfully entered the correct track route.
However, the track switch reportedly malfunctioned mid-transition, causing the remaining carriages behind it to move onto a different path.
The conflicting directions created massive pressure between the train coaches, eventually forcing the front carriage completely off the tracks and leaving the train immobilised.
Rapid KL later confirmed that the derailment occurred while the train was passing through a track-switch area near Chan Sow Lin station.
A Rapid KL train is seen off the tracks near Chan Sow Lin station.
Image via BernamaAPAD has now launched a full investigation
Following the incident, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) said it immediately carried out site inspections alongside representatives from the Rail Enforcement Division, Rail Planning Division, and the Transport Ministry.
In a statement issued today, 29 May, APAD said investigations are currently focusing on several areas, including:
- Compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP)
- Asset maintenance and servicing records
- Rail safety systems
- Train operations and technical failures
The agency stressed that the investigation would be conducted independently, transparently, and professionally before any legal action is considered.
Authorities are also looking into whether negligence or breaches of licensing conditions were involved.
"If the operator is found to have breached licensing conditions, enforcement action can be taken under Section 101 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715)," APAD said.
The investigation will also examine possible negligence under Sections 202 and 128 of the same Act.
Repair works could take several days
Loke said repair and recovery works are expected to take time because a heavy crane is needed to lift the derailed train back onto the tracks.
Full service on the Ampang-Sri Petaling Line is currently expected to resume by Wednesday, 3 June.
In the meantime, Rapid KL has activated alternative train and shuttle bus services across affected stations, including free shuttle buses between Hang Tuah, Chan Sow Lin, Maluri, Pandan Jaya, and Cheras stations.
Passengers have also been advised to follow updates via Rapid KL's official channels and the MyRapid PULSE app.
