MRT Line Fire: Urgent Repairs Underway to Reopen Service Tomorrow

The Department of Rail Transport and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) have been instructed to urgently complete repairs of a fire-hit track between MRT Tao Poon and Bang Pho stations, aiming for a potential service resumption tomorrow, September 21, according to Amarin TV. Deputy Transport Minister Phattarapong Phattaraprasit inspected the section of the track where a short circuit in electrical cables along the alignment caused a fire at 12:32 p.m., which was quickly extinguished. Smoke was also detected at the power supply room at Tao Poon station at 1:15 p.m., with burn marks from electrical sparks noted, though no fire erupted. A comprehensive system inspection is underway to determine the exact cause and assess the readiness of the rail system. Phattarapong stated that the situation is under control, with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) preparing to repair the damaged components. Work is scheduled to be expedited tonight to ensure the system can resume operations tomorrow morning. However, the resumption of service is contingent upon system inspections and confirmation of readiness from relevant agencies. MRTA and BEM must be fully assured of the system’s safety for the public and all passengers before operations restart, with safety remaining the top priority. Should repairs or inspections not be completed on schedule, or if safety cannot be confirmed, the Transport Ministry has prepared contingency plans. This involves coordinating with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to provide temporary shuttle bus services for the affected areas, thereby facilitating travel and minimizing the impact on the public. Source: Thai Newsroom