Brake problem scares free passengers of Bangkok subway

BANGKOK: -- Passengers testing Bangkok's new underground train system Thursday fled in panic when they smelt burning and apparently saw smoke drift through the subway tunnels,the state-run Thai News Agency (TNA) reported.

The smoke and smell reportedly resulted from a brake problem, which started work automatically when the air tank had a low pressure, the Mass Rail Transit Authority (MRTA) Governor Prapat Chonsanguan was quoted by TNA as saying.

The governor dismissed people concern over the problem by saying that blips were normal when the system was still under test.

The Siems Company which provided the train to Bangkok subway sent technical personnel to solve the problems after the accident.

The MRTA sent out some 1.4 million free tickets to Bangkok civilians and company guests for the testing operation of the 20-kilometer long subway system during the Thai New Year Songkran from Tuesday to Sunday.

More than 100,000 passengers turned up for the first day operation though the train's door had a problem of not opening.

In a bid to solve the deteriorating traffic congestion, the Bangkok authority earlier declared to open the subway service in June, two months earlier than the original plan.

Subway riders evacuated after brake malfunction

BANGKOK: More than 200 frightened passengers were evacuated yesterday from Bangkok's new subway system after a train was halted by a malfunctioning brake on the third day of trial public rides.

The train, which had just left Hua Lampong station, halted at Klong Toei station at 11.30am after its parking brake was found to have become engaged, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) governor Prapat Chongsanguan said.

The train supervisor on board noticed that a signal on his control panel indicated the parking break was engaged. At the same time passengers on the train were alarmed by a burning smell shortly after the train departed, Prapat said.

He said passengers were informed of the malfunction and asked to leave the subway system when the train arrived at Klong Toei station.

Two fire engines and 54 fire fighters were called to the scene, but Prapat confirmed that no smoke or fire was reported.

The burning smell was caused by the brake disc overheating and burning the lining as the parking brake became engaged while the train was running, he said.

"Measures have been taken strictly following our standard safety procedure," he said, adding that the subway system would be officially launched in June or July.

Prapat said the train was replaced by a spare and subway engineers were investigating the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary checks revealed it was caused by a problem in the brake's air-pressure system.

It was the subway's second brake-related problem. Another train exhibited a similar glitch two weeks ago during a test ride, he said.

The incident forced train traffic to be blocked at Klong Toei station, however trains from Bang Sue station were able to continue through Rama IX station, while those from Hua Lampong station could reach Silom station. Full service was restored an hour after the incident.

Prapat assured the public that the subway was safe and said the first phase of free trial rides would continue as scheduled until Sunday.

Thitipong Hora-iad, 43, said after leaving the station that he smelt burning and saw smoke beneath the carriage before officials announced that the train was suffering "a technical problem" and passengers were evacuated to Rama IV Road.

"I think I will stay out of the subway for a while to make sure it's safe," said Prapat who was on board with his nine-year-old daughter and seven other relatives.

More than 200,000 free passes have been distributed for free rides on the subway until next month.

--The Nation 2004-04-16

The burning smell was caused by the brake disc overheating and burning the lining as the parking brake became engaged while the train was running, he said.

when they built this thing didn't they know this was gonna happen, as far as im concern trouble already and its not even started yet, i guest this is call loosing face lol

2 fire engines and 54 firefighters

They must be bloody big fire appliances.