Glass window of LRT-1 train shatters; 2 passengers hurt

MANILA, Philippines — The glass window of a Light Rail Transit line 1 (LRT-1) train burst Wednesday after it was forced open by a male passenger.

LRT-1 spokesperson Sweeden Ramirez confirmed to INQUIRER.net that the glass window of a southbound train smashed at about 2 p.m as it approached UN station.

Ramirez identified the culprit as George Liberato, 58. He is currently under investigation.

According to Ramirez, Liberato boarded the train at Carriedo station “sweating and was expecting to have a cold train coach.” Subsequently, Liberato forced open the train’s window to get some air.

The LRT-1 official said train windows have to be unlocked twice but Liberato was able to unlock just one of the window’s locks.

Because of this, Ramirez said, the train’s window broke into pieces and consequently injured two passengers – a male and a female – who got bruises from the glass pieces. The wounded passengers declined to be identified.

The incident also prompted LRT-1 management to offload passengers at UN station to ensure their safety. The damaged train was then brought to LRT-1’s depot in Pasay City for repair.

“We appeal to passengers to follow the rules and regulations being implemented when riding the LRT-1 trains,” Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) said in a statement.

“LRMC is steadfast in providing safe and reliable transportation to all Filipino commuters,” it added.

LRMC said no “operation interval” was recorded following the incident. /kga