Transformer causes fire on LRT-2 track; train operation stopped
A fire broke out on the railway track of Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) between Anonas and Katipunan Stations in Quezon City Thursday morning after one of its transformers tripped.
According to Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesman Hernan Cabrera, a power rectifier between Anonas and Katipunan Stations tripped and caused the blaze.
"The fire that was seen along the carriageway between Anonas and Katipunan stations was due to the tripping of Rectifier Substation No. 5 located at Katipunan Station," LRT-2 Communica
tions Head Lyn Janeo explained.
"The Rectifier Substation Number 6 at Santolan Depot is also affected," she added.
Some passengers in Katipunan Station heard an explosion likely caused by the fire.
A power supply interruption was also experienced in the station.
Due to the blaze, passengers bound for Santolan Station were forced to get off at Anonas Station as LRTA stopped its full line operations around 11:24 a.m.
The fire was put out by responding firefighters.
Cabrera said they are now investigating what caused the tripping.
Operation of the train was stopped after the incident. The management is also looking into opening partial operations Recto Station to Cubao or to Anonas and back.
"We are evaluating two options for a partial operations: Recto to Cubao [stations] and back or Recto to Anonas [stations]," Cabrera said.
However, Cabrera added that these options depend on the availability of power supply as the transformer in Katipunan area was damaged.
"We have reversing tracks in Anonas and Cubao as well which we can use for a partial operations but it will depend on power supply available," he added.
The line's operation is still suspended as of posting time pending investigation.