MRT train’s brakes malfunction

MANILA, Philippines - A southbound Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train’s brakes malfunctioned Wednesday afternoon.

A passenger told The STAR that the train started to slow down after making the stop at the Ayala station at around 5 p.m., during which the smell of burning wire wafted throughout the southbound train.

Upon reaching the Magallanes station, the driver asked all passengers to disembark from the train and wait for the next one.

MRT general manager Al Vitangcol said “there was no near fire incident.” A train fire occurred on Nov. 3.

He said the brake malfunction caused the MRT train’s brake system to lock as an automatic safety feature, which led to the smell of something burning.

He said that at the Magallanes station, the MRT’s maintenance contractor, PH Trams-CB&T joint venture, addressed the malfunction.