Bangkok: Authorities have ordered the Department of Rail Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) to urgently inspect and repair the MRT line after an electrical short circuit incident at Tao Poon station. The Minister of Transport, Phatarapong, expressed hope that services would resume by tomorrow, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety. If necessary, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will offer temporary transportation to the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Patarapong Pataraprasit, personally inspected the MRT Tao Poon station following the incident, which involved a short circuit in the cable resulting in smoke. He directed the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), MRTA, and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough inspection and implement corrective measures. Ensuring public and passenger safety is the top priority before reopening the service.
The incident initially occurred at 12:32 PM when a short circuit was detected in the electrical wires on the elevated train tracks at Tao Poon Station on Pracha Rat Sai 2 Road. Personnel from the Bang Pho Fire and Rescue Station promptly managed the situation, extinguishing the fire. Preliminary investigations pointed to a short circuit in the cable as the likely cause.
At 1:15 PM, a fire alarm in the power supply room was triggered, accompanied by smoke. Officials inspected the area and found no flames, only smoke and electrical arcing or burn marks. A comprehensive system investigation is underway to determine the cause and evaluate the readiness of the electric train system.
Mr. Patarapong assured that the incident has been controlled, and BEM is actively repairing the damaged sections. The aim is to complete the work tonight to enable service resumption by tomorrow morning. However, the reopening will only proceed after thorough system inspections and confirmation of safety by the relevant agencies.
Should repairs or inspections not meet the schedule or safety standards, the Ministry of Transport has coordinated with BMTA to provide temporary shuttle services to minimize the impact on public transportation. The priority remains to ensure the highest level of safety for all citizens and passengers before reopening the line.