(Eagle News) — A short circuit in one of the traction motors caused a Metro Rail Transit-3 train to emit smoke at the Santolan station on Monday, Nov. 4.
This was according to maintenance provider Sumitomo-MHI-TESP, which conducted a probe following the incident that saw around 500 passengers unloaded, the MRT-3 said.
The MRT-3 was forced to implement limited operations from Shaw Boulevard to Taft stations before normal operations resumed after two hours.
“It also showed on the affected parts that high current flowed in the circuit, causing significant damage to the electrical box and adjacent parts,” the MRT-3 said, citing Sumitomo’s findings.
According to the MRT-3, to prevent the re-occurrence of the incident, the following measures will be implemented:
- Crack testing using penetrant on all bearing cover of traction assembly
- Systematic checking of protective device during emergency and regular maintenance
- Thorough cleaning of all electrical boxes like contactors, bus bars, connecting plates, main choppers, and adjacent parts.
- Insulation test on high voltage cables. Replacement of cables, if needed
The MRT-3 asked for the public’s understanding as the “massive rehabilitation” of the train system was ongoing.
“Rest assured that the MRT-3 Management and Sumitomo are doing everything to provide reliable and safe trains for passenger service,” the MRT-3 said.
