At least 10 passengers of MRT-3 were injured after the ascending escalator at the Taft Avenue Station malfunctioned.
In Joseph Morong’s Tuesday report on “24 Oras,” the escalator was packed with passengers when it malfunctioned Saturday morning, causing some people to fall on top of each other while a female passenger also hurt her ankle.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the primary chain of the escalator broke off.
Repairs were still ongoing on Tuesday noon as passengers were seen using the stairs, which was a challenge to some, including senior citizens.
MRT General Manager Oscar Bongon apologized to the affected passengers and ensured they would pay for the medical expenses of those who were wounded.
“This is unacceptable because I reviewed the contract, dapat, within 48 hours, gumagana na ulit ang kahit anong escalator, elevator or apparatus dyan sa MRT-3,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said.
(This is unacceptable because I reviewed the contract. Any escalator, elevator or apparatus on the MRT-3 should be working again within 48 hours.)
Dizon also said he will inspect the facilities of MRT-3 following the incident.
He also called on the affected passengers to call the DOTr-MRT hotline at 0995 736 3129 should they seek any help.
“The DOTr MRT-3, in collaboration with its maintenance provider Sumito Corporation, has successfully repaired the escalator at Taft Station, which was reopened and fully operational as of 5:33 pm today,” DOTr said.
“The DOTr assures those affected that MRT-3 will cover medical expenses, while the insurance company will assess and approve compensation for lost income due to the incident, it added. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News
