Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train has crashed into a barrier at the Taft Station

Manila - A defective Metro Rail Transit train has crashed into a barrier at the Taft Station Wednesday, injuring dozens of passengers, reports said.

The incident also prompted MRT to stop operations for the rest of its line, but both southbound and northbound trips resumed at around 5 p.m., its management said via Twitter.

“We are currently undergoing necessary intervention for the technical problem encountered. We apologize for the inconvenience,” the MRT management said via Twitter.

In an interview over dzBB, MRT spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said the train came to a halt at the Magallanes Station due to technical problems.

It had to be pushed by another train as it had no power, Cabrera said, adding that passengers were trapped in the troubled train as there was no safe exit for them.

“Ang naging problema po natin, nakalas po iyong coupling na nagkakabit dun sa mga tren,” Cabrera said. The uncontrolled train, he added, continued to move until it hit the barrier at Taft.

Regina Santos, one of the passengers, said passengers thought they heard a loud explosion after the south-bound train left Magallanes station.

“Sabi namin bababa na lang kami pero hindi kami pinababa. Nag stampede na sa loob,” said Santos. Passengers scrambled to the first coach, which is reserved for the elderly and pregnant women.

The train hit an electric post outside the Taft Station. Robert Granado of Pasay police said it would have been a bigger accident if the electric post wasn’t able to stop the train.

At least 20 passengers hurt in the accident have been reportedly been rushed to the Pasay City General Hospital while another 10 passengers have been brought to the San Juan De Dios Hospital.

Commuters have meanwhile been advised to avoid the area. “Derailed MRT train at Pasay-Taft Station. MMDA Rescue and enforcers on location. Expect heavy traffic,” MMDA said via Twitter.

The MRT management meanwhile vowed to assist those hurt. “The MRT regrets the unfortunate incident, the management  will extend all necessary assistance to those injured and inconvenienced,” it tweeted.

c.Yahoo news