A Rapid KL Light Rail Transit (LRT) train in Kuala Lumpur derailed after a faulty track switch caused several carriages to veer off course near Chan Sow Lin station.
The incident disrupted services along the Ampang and Sri Petaling lines, with authorities scrambling to restore operations and investigate what went wrong.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the frightening scene involving passengers evacuating directly onto the railway tracks.
Passengers Seen Walking Along Tracks After Derailment
According to reports, there were 25 passengers onboard the six-carriage train when the derailment occurred on the morning of 28 May.
Videos circulating on social media showed commuters exiting the stranded train and carefully walking along the tracks towards a nearby station while railway staff assisted them.
Rapid KL later confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated and alternative transport arrangements, including shuttle bus services, were immediately activated to minimise disruption.
The derailment quickly became a trending topic online, with many Malaysians expressing concern over rail safety and maintenance standards. Some commuters also worried about possible delays affecting daily travel and work schedules in Kuala Lumpur’s busy public transport network.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Says Investigation Underway
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said a special task force has been formed to investigate the cause of the derailment.
Preliminary findings suggest the incident happened during a track switch operation just outside Chan Sow Lin station.
According to Loke, the first carriage successfully entered the correct track, but the rear carriages diverted towards another track heading to Ampang. This created tension between the carriages, eventually pulling the front sections off the tracks.
Officials said the train had only just started moving and had not yet reached high speed, which likely prevented a much more serious disaster.
Restoration Works Ongoing Until Early June
Authorities are now conducting restoration and repair works at the affected section of the railway line.
Rapid KL stated that normal operations are expected to resume by 3 June after engineers complete inspections and safety checks on the damaged track switch system.
The incident has once again sparked discussions about public transport reliability, railway maintenance contracts, and infrastructure investment in Malaysia.
Many commuters online noted that urban rail systems are becoming increasingly important across Southeast Asia, especially as rising fuel prices and traffic congestion push more people towards public transportation options.
Rail safety experts are expected to review whether ageing infrastructure, signalling systems, or maintenance procedures played a role in the derailment.