(Yicai) Dec. 15 -- Two cars on the Beijing metro detached yesterday evening, injuring more than 30 passengers. No fatalities were reported.

The accident happened at about 7 p.m. on the Changping Line, when the last two cars of a subway train going from Xi'erqi Station to Life Science Park Station detached from those in front. The cause is under investigation, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport said.

The accident was about 2 kilometers away from Xi'erqi Station, an interchange between the Changping Line and Line 13, which has since been closed, according to the city’s subway operator. The Changping Line section is being repaired and it is not know when services will resume.

Heavy snow began falling on the Chinese capital, where metro accidents are rare, on Dec. 13.

The connection between the two carriages broke, leaving a gap of about 10 meters between them and two other cars were squeezed together, Yicai found at the location. Strollers, paper towels, and other items were left inside the cars by passengers, with bloodstains and shattered glass also visible.

A passenger who walked out of Xi'erqi Station had gauze taped to her forehead after being hit by broken glass. She told Yicai that the train braked suddenly, the lights went out, and an announcement was made about a malfunction. About 20 minutes later, passengers were instructed to leave the train and follow a path along the tracks to exit the station, she added.

The government had sent ambulances and shuttle buses to Beiqing Road at the exit of Xi'erqi Station. Passengers who wanted to stay on-site were allowed to do so, emergency workers said.

An ambulance and emergency workers wait for passengers in the snow beside the metro.

Engineers examine the broken subway cars. 

Passengers are evacuated along the snow-covered rails at the platform of Xi'erqi Station.

People rest inside Xi'erqi Station, with stretchers and wheelchairs set out for the injured.

Emergency vehicles near Xi'erqi Station.

Passengers get on a government-arranged shuttle bus.

Editor: Martin Kadiev