(Ecns.cn)--Two glass platform barriers exploded within six days in the Shanghai Metro, according to Hong Kong-based Wen Wei Po on Wednesday.
Last Thursday one of the barriers at Taopuxincun Station on Line 11 suddenly exploded without warning. The explosion frightened passengers, though nobody was hurt.
Five days later a glass gate exploded in similar fashion at 5:00 a.m. in Laoximen Station on Line 10. No injuries were reported as few passengers were waiting on the platform at that time.
According to the preliminary investigation, the two barriers "exploded automatically" and were not stressed by any external force.
Insiders said the explosions may have been caused by poor quality glass.
The Shanghai Metro began installing the barriers in 2005 to keep passengers from falling off the platforms. Impact resistant and fire proof, the screens are designed to shatter into small pieces, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
The quality guarantee period for the barriers is usually two years, but there were no formulations on how long the barriers should be used, according to the Wen Wei Po report.
The glass barrier involved in Tuesday's accident had only been used for about a year.
The manufacturer of the barriers said it had sent out technicians to conduct inspections of the glass screens on the line.
The incidents have stirred passenger unease about the safety of the screens. Insiders urged related authorities to step up measures to guarantee the safety of citizens.
