MRT 3 train unloads passengers due to smoke

January 26, 2018

A southbound train of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 unloaded an undetermined number of passengers due as smoke was seen near one of the doors of the coach, MRT said. Passengers were unloaded between GMA-Kamuning and Araneta Center-Cubao stations at 1:42 pm due t the smoke, said Aly Narvaez, MRT spokesperson, in a Viber message. "As per Control Center, the smoke came from the seat probably from the electronic components under the seat," said Narvaez. "A firetruck is at the area to suppress the smoke." She could not say how many passengers were unloaded but added the train was pulled out of the route. TV footage showed passengers were walking along the train tracks. Provisional service was implemented for MRT 3 from Shaw Boulevard to Taft, both southbound and northbound, added Narvaez. One hour after the incident, full service resumed, she added. As of 6 pm, nine MRT 3 trains were running, down the daily average of 12 trains, the MRT said in advisory. The MRT 3 has been plagued by stoppages daily due to various reasons. Busan, a firm which was maintaining the MRT 3, was terminated by the Department of Transportation on November 2017 well ahead of its three-year contract ending 2019. Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said Sumitomo has agreed in principle to return as the MRT 3 service provider. DMS