LRT-2 limits service after lightning damages catenary wire near Antipolo station

MANILA (UPDATED) — The Light Rail Transit Line 2 temporarily limited its operations on Tuesday, September 22, after lightning struck and dislodged a catenary wire near Antipolo Station, disrupting train services along the eastern portion of the line.

As of 4 p.m., trains were operating between Recto and Santolan stations and back.

LRTA Line 2 Administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera said the lightning strike hit the power-supplying cable just before Antipolo Station, prompting the agency to suspend operations in the affected area for safety reasons.

“Kanina kasi tinamaan ng kidlat iyong kable just before Antipolo Station. Nagresulta ito na matanggal, malaglag iyong kable dito sa area sa may riles just before Antipolo Station,” Cabrera explained.

“Since iyon iyong power cable namin, iyong nagsu-supply ng kuryente sa tren, napilitin muna kami na itigil ang operasyon dito sa area. Kaya ang ongoing na operasyon lang ngayon is magmula Recto hanggang Cubao and then from Cubao pabalik ng Recto,” he added.

Cabrera said the LRTA initially received a report that the cable had broken, but a subsequent inspection found that it had apparently been dislodged from its fittings.

The distinction could affect the repair time, as restoring the cable to its fittings would be faster than replacing the entire cable.

While repairs were underway, the LRTA said operations would remain suspended at Marikina-Pasig and Antipolo stations. Cabrera said the agency was targeting to restore service to both stations before the evening rush hour, depending on weather conditions and the extent of the damage.

However, continuing thunderstorms and lightning in the area were slowing repair work and could pose safety risks to maintenance personnel.

“We’re hoping na matapos ito kaagad. Kaya lang tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kidlat at kulog dito sa area. Kaya iyon, hirap din kami kaagad. Baka unsafe pa sa mga trabahador natin iyong area,” he said.

“Hintay lang muna namin mag-clear ng kaunti iyong ulan at kapag safe na, umpisa na namin kaagad iyong trabaho,” he added.

The LRTA has installed lightning arrestors in the area because the section has previously experienced lightning-related incidents. Cabrera said, however, that the devices are preventive measures and cannot completely prevent damage when lightning is particularly strong.

He added that the arrestors primarily serve to protect passengers and railway facilities.

The service disruption could affect a significant number of commuters, with the LRTA reporting an average daily ridership of around 180,000 to 185,000 passengers.

The LRTA advised passengers to monitor its official social media accounts for further updates on the restoration of normal operations.