Safety Concerns Delay Ngong Ping 360 Opening in Hong Kong

Following a serious service interruption during trial operations last Saturday, Ngong Ping 360 has suspended further trial operations while undertaking a full and comprehensive investigation into the cause of the interruption and any contributing factors.

The service interruption incident last Saturday involved cabins not maintaining correct separation in the Ngong Ping Skyrail Terminal. For safety reasons the decision was made not to evacuate passengers while repair works were carried out, and communication systems in place allowed the company to maintain contact and keep the guests informed on the repair progress.

At the time of the stoppage there were approximately 500 people in the cable cars. The cableway resumed normal operations after around 2 hours.

In view of the delay to the trial operations programme and a need to allow more time to investigate the incident, the opening ceremony and public opening of Ngong Ping 360 which was scheduled for 24 June 2006 has been postponed. Trial operations scheduled for this week have also be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.

Refunds will be available to anyone who has purchased a ticket and does not wish to reschedule to a later date. Customers are advised to contact the agent though which the booking was made.

No announcement has, at press time, been made on the new date for opening.

Skyrail-ITM Chairman Dr Ken Chapman said “We did not expect the problem encountered on Saturday but were prepared for such contingencies and our team handled the situation very professionally. I am proud of our team and their performance under the circumstances”.

“Our priority now is to focus on opening a world-class tourism attraction for the people of Hong Kong and visitors to our city,” he added.

A statement issued by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said that it believes that the utmost priority is to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the facility before it is put into public service, and that visitors can have an enjoyable experience.

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