DOTr to LRT-1 operator: Assist passengers injured in escalator mishap

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday ordered Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), to provide immediate assistance to passengers injured following the reported escalator malfunction in the rail line’s FPJ Station last Friday, August 15.

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said that “LRMC must always prioritize the reliability of LRT-1’s facilities to ensure the safety and welfare of commuters.”

In a separate statement, LRMC confirmed that an “isolated occurrence” involving an escalator—which had a momentary increase in speed with a number of passengers on it—at the LRT-1 Fernando Poe Jr. Station happened at approximately 11:47 a.m. on Friday.

Of the affected passengers, LRMC said one requested to be brought to a hospital for further assessment and checkup and was accompanied by station personnel.

It said initial medical results declared no findings or injuries. 

LRMC added it is actively coordinating with other passengers involved to offer any necessary assistance.

"We sincerely apologize to the passengers affected by the escalator incident at Fernando Poe Jr. Station," said LRMC president and CEO Enrico R. Benipayo. 

"We want to assure the public that LRMC will be exerting more effort to enhance the safety and well-being of our LRT-1 commuters. We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of safety across our entire system,” added Benipayo.

LRMC said it launched a full investigation right after the incident and is closely monitoring the contractor responsible for the maintenance of our conveyances. 

“Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo, na dapat kampante ang mga pasahero na ligtas ang biyahe nila kapag sasakay ng tren. Inutusan ko na ang LRMC na bigyan ng agarang tulong ‘yung mga nasaktang pasahero, at ayusin agad ‘yung nasirang escalator,” Dizon said.

(The President said that passengers should feel at ease and safe when riding trains. I ordered LRM to immediately provide assistance to injured passengers and fix the malfunctioning escalator.)

According to the DOTr the passenger that was brought to the hospital was discharged within two hours. 

The Transportation Department added six other passengers opted to go home after receiving first aid at the FPJ station.

It said that as of 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 16, the affected escalator has been repaired and cleared for safe public use.

The agency said it will continue working closely with LRMC to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. —VAL, GMA Integrated News