MRT riders stranded

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) riders were stranded early morning Thursday after mechanical breaks of a southbound train malfunctioned between Cubao and Santolan stations in Quezon City,

forcing passengers to evacuate and walk on elevated rail tracks.

Transportation Undersecretary for Rails and former MRT General Manager Glicerio Sicat, said that riders of MRT Train 15 panicked when they saw smoke ensuing from the train’s front wheel, which accidentally jammed with one of the rubber brake pads located along the rail tracks between the two stations at about 9:15 a.m. Thursday.



“After the train driver stopped the train, some of the passengers panicked and pressed the emergency door button upon seeing the smoke. They hurriedly alighted from the train, most of them pushing their way out of the train while the others endured slight injuries after what seemed to be a stampede,” he said.

But Sicat clarified that “there is no stampede,” adding that the six passengers reportedly injured because of the incident have been treated by paramedics and immediately left the MRT premises and went on their day’s routines.

Thursday’s incident was preceded by another incident last Tuesday when at least 16 passengers suffered slight bruises after an escalator at the Ayala Station malfunctioned. The victims were outbalanced when the ascending train suddenly stopped during rush hour.

source: mb.com.ph/