Repair crews battle to reopen Blue Line for Monday rush hours - Bangkok Post
Firefighters quench the flames on the Blue Line track between Tao Poon and Bang Pho stations in Bangkok on Sunday. (photo: Mass Rapid Transit Authority) Trains running on the Blue Line of Bangkok's fire-damaged Mass Rapid Transit system would resume full services on Monday morning if overnight repairs were complete and guaranteed safe, Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattraprasit said on Sunday.
Mr Phattrapong inspected the damage to the MRT railway system in Tao Poon area on Sunday.
The entire MRT system was initially reported temporarily shut down following the fire, reportedly caused by an overheated electrical cabinet and short-circuit between Tao Poon and Bang Pho stations on Sunday.
The operator, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM), later clarified that only some services had been suspended, not all.
The fire erupted at 12.32pm on the overhead track near Tao Poon station, above Pracharat Sai 2 Road. Firefighters and police said then it was caused by an electrical short-circuit.
At 1.15pm there was a fire alarm at a local power supply room. Officials did not see any flames, but noticed smoke and electrical arcing. Checks were continuing.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong said the situation was now under control and BEM would try to complete repairs on Sunday night so that the MRT could resume full service on Monday morning.
“However, services can resume only after the safety of the system is certified by the agencies concerned. The MRTA and BEM must ensure maximum safety for the public and all passengers. Although the fastest possible resumption of service is the goal, safety is the first priority,” Mr Phattrapong said.
If repairs clould not be completed on time, extra passenger buses would carry commuters between stations, he said.
The MRTA said the Blue Line suffered a short-circuit and fire, and service was suspended on the Blue Line between Bang O and Kamphaeng Phet stations. Passenger buses of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority were carrying passengers between stations. The Purple Line was operating normally to Tao Poon station.
Bangkok police said the fire occured on the power rail of the Blue Line. Sparks and cinders fell to the road surface below, damaging a parked motorcycle. No one was injured.
