Hong Kong's MTR train system has come to a standstill.
The MTR Corporation announced the closure of the entire MTR line at around 10:30pm on Friday, Oct. 4, Stand News reported.
There are arson and vandalism across railway premises while @hkpoliceforce is taking dispersal actions in the city thus street are now unsafe
— MTR Service Update (@mtrupdate) October 4, 2019
- All running lines will be suspended after 2235 hours when trains are berthed at platforms
-Light Rail and #MTR Bus will ... (½) pic.twitter.com/zsw9A0Mqb9
The Airport Express service has also been suspended.
Hong Kong's flag carrier, Cathay Pacific, tweeted the news, and advised passengers to consider other modes of transportation to the Hong Kong International Airport.
HK - Airport Express service is suspended tonight. Please consider other mode of transportation to Hong Kong International Airport. Thank you for your understanding.
— Cathay Pacific (@cathaypacific) October 4, 2019
Swarming the whole of Hong Kong
In response to the ban on face masks, which will take effect from midnight on Saturday, Oct. 5, protesters started taking to the streets at 4pm.
They took over major roads, such as Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road Central in Hong Kong Island, and blocked the passageways with various objects.
#LIVE: Anger is further fuelled by the govt. Although the mask ban will not be enacted until midnight, hundreds, mostly wearing medical masks, have gathered at downtown Central, the financial core of the city, to protest against what they think is a “draconian law”. #antiELAB pic.twitter.com/czBx9YfRd7
— Ezra Cheung (@ezracheungtoto) October 4, 2019
Mass assembled at Connaught Rd Central w “Resist, #Hongkonger” and “Fight for Freedom #StandwithHK” #antiELAB #ExtraditionLaw #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/zSltBArAz1
— Galileo Cheng (@galileocheng) October 4, 2019
crowd asks for towels. crowd receives from apartment block. pic.twitter.com/Qwc4WlIwyh
— isabella steger (@stegersaurus) October 4, 2019
All 18 districts of Hong Kong were swarmed by protesters by night time.
Many of them did not seem to heed the ban as they were still spotted wearing face masks.
A Hong Kong court earlier dismissed an application for an emergency injunction to stop the mask ban, Hong Kong Free Press reported.
Top image via @galileocheng
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