LRT-2 Line halts operation after fire in Katipunan station

October 3, 2019

The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) halted operations after fire broke out near Katipunan station Thursday morning.

"As of 11:24 am, LRT-2 operation is temporarily suspended. Investigation and intervention is ongoing. Apologies for the inconvenience," LRT-2 management posted in their official Twitter account.

It was the second incident at the LRT-2 line. Last Wednesday, LRT-2  halted operations for at least half an hour after they found "train fault."

In a radio interview over dzBB, LRTA spokesperson Hernando Cabrera explained that Katipunan station caught fire after the rectifier substation 5 tripped.

The incident resulted in temporary loss of power supply and limited train operations. LRT-2 is 16.75 kilometers long and starts at the middle of Recto and Rizal Avenues and ends at Barangay Santolan, Pasig,

"The rectifier is like a transformer. It can also be compared to a power surge protector. Its purpose is to regulate our power supply," Cabrera said.

"Since there's no power supply in that area, technically the whole line will suspend operations because the trains will get stranded at that stretch," he added.

The fire was contained around 12:31 pm. The management of LRT-2 said they are investigating the cause of the fire.

All train operations of LRT-2 will remain postponed "until further notice," the management advised the riding public.

"We are still looking into the possibility to operate from Cubao to Recto but train operations are still suspended from Santolan to Recto until further notice. Thank you," a separate Twitter post read.

Earlier today, LRT Line 1 also suspended operations in Roosevelt and Balintawak stations due to mechanical issues. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS