Lightning arresters make MRT safe, management says

The management of the Metro Rail Transit has assured the public that riding the MRT was safe despite the two consecutive days when parts of the train system were struck by lightning, a report from GMA's “24-Oras” said Thursday.

 

MRT management Spokesman Atty. Hernando Cabrera said the rail system was equipped with lightning arresters making it safe for the riding public.

 

“Safe po na sakyan natin 'yung mga tren natin kasi number one merong lightning arrester 'yung ating mga poste. At kung lumusot man 'yung power doon sa lightning arrester natin doon sa poste, sasaluhin naman ng lightning arrester dito sa tren,” Cabrera said.

 

He said that all trains of the MRT and those of the Light Rail Transit are equipped with the lightning arrester safety system.

 

“Kapag kumikidlat, usually na tinatamaan ng kidlat it's either 'yung kable kasi un ang pinakamataas or itong pantograph... pag tama ng kidlat kailangan natin ng arrester para saluhin niya yung energy ng kidlat,” Cabrera explained.

 

He also said the minimal damage to the MRT equipment and infrastructure proves the effectivity of their lightning arrester system.

 

“Gumana kasi naisolate 'yung damage. Wala pang isang dipa 'yung nasunog na kable [nung Tuesday]. 'Yung kagabi wala ring nasira,” Cabrera said.

 

Still, the MRT's management is already investigating the incidents which caused the lightning-caused glitches, the report said.

 

MRT operations were hampered after lightning strikes caused power-related glitches on Tuesday and Wednesday. -Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News