A Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train slammed into the barriers of the Taft Avenue station in Edsa, Pasay City on Wednesday afternoon and got derailed, injuring several persons.
According to a radio report, a technical glitch was encountered in the Magallanes station. An interviewed passenger said they felt something was amiss when the train air-conditioning went off. And as the train approached the Taft station, the door opened and passengers started to panic.
The incident also caused a stampede at the station and halted operations of the entire MRT line, the report said.
MRT spokesman Hernando Cabrera said in the radio interview that the train came to a stop between Magallanes and Taft Avenue stations due to power problem. It had to be pushed by another train, but the cable that joins the two trains unclasped. The train then gained momentum after the initial push and broke away, slamming into the wall stopper at Taft Avenue Station.
The report also said the train rammed a post which in turn fell on a car.
Various reports said several passengers were hurt in the accident. Injured passengers were rushed to the San Juan De Dios Hospital and the Pasay City General Hospital.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), meanwhile, advised commuters to avoid the area. “Derailed MRT train at Pasay-Taft Station. MMDA Rescue and enforcers on location. Expect heavy traffic,” MMDA said on Twitter.
