Passengers hurt, stranded as train overshoots MRT station
MANILA, Philippines - More than 30 people were injured after a train of the Metro Rail Transit overshot the EDSA-Taft Station in Pasay City and slammed through its barrier on Wednesday afternoon.
Twenty injured passengers were rushed to the Pasay City General Hospital and 19 more passengers were brought to the San Juan de Dios hospital, also in Pasay City. The hospitals' doctors said the injured passengers may be allowed to go home tonight except for one patient at the San Juan de Dios hospital due to serious injuries.
The incident happened at past 4 p.m.
In a radio interview, Light Rail Transit Authority spokesman Hernando Cabrera said a train with passengers stalled while approaching the EDSA-Taft Station after its brakes "cramped."
MRT coach snapped causing accident pic.twitter.com/Nj5Ed1KrDq
— Perseus Echeminada (@Pecheminada) August 13, 2014
He said a vacant train was dispatched to push the stalled unit toward the EDSA-Taft station. However, while it was being pushed by the vacant train, it broke free and overshot the station while its passengers were still inside.
The Department of Transportation and Communications, meanwhile, said that the MRT station's operations has resumed as of 5 p.m. It said there would be a delay of train arrivals at the damaged station.
Advisory: We are running SB and NB but expect delay approaching Taft Ave. because we are utilizing single tract in reversing. FYI Thanks.
— dotcmrt-3 (@dotcmrt_3) August 13, 2014
The agency also apologized for the mishap and vowed to aid those who were hurt.
The MRT regrets the unfortunate incident, the management will extend all necessary assistance to those injured & inconvenienced. Thank you.
— dotcmrt-3 (@dotcmrt_3) August 13, 2014
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said people should expect heavy traffic along EDSA because of the accident. -- reports from Camille Diola and Dennis Carcamo
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