Short circuit blamed for smoke in MRT-3 train

MANILA, Philippines – A short circuit in one of the traction motors caused the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 train to break down and emit smoke last November 4, MRT-3 management explained Thursday.

Over 500 passengers were unloaded last Monday at the Santolan station after the train emitted smoke.

The train line had to implement provisionary service from Shaw Boulevard Station to Taft Station only due to the incident.

READ: MRT-3 train emits smoke; 530 passengers unloaded

It took about two hours before normal operations of the train line resumed.

READ: MRT-3 resumes normal ops from North to Taft stations after train emits smoke

The management said that a high current also flowed in the circuit, damaging the electrical box and other parts.

“According to Sumitomo-MHI-TESP (maintenance provide), the cause of the incident was due to a short circuit in one of the traction motors (broken bearing cover),” the MRT-3 management said in a statement.

“It also showed on the affected parts that high current flowed in the circuit, causing significant damage to the electrical box and adjacent parts,” it added.

MRT-3 management assured that it has implemented countermeasures to prevent a similar incident

“We appeal to the riding public’s understanding while the massive rehabilitation of MRT-3 system is ongoing,” MRT-3management said.  /gsg