MRT-3 Update: What Happened with the Power Line Fire and Is It Safe to Ride Now?

If you were commuting on the MRT-3 in Metro Manila on 17 June, you might have been surprised by an unexpected stop. A power line between Cubao and Santolan caught fire during the morning rush. It caused a short disruption that had many passengers wondering what was going on. The good news is that services have returned to normal and it is safe to ride again.

Here is everything you need to know, especially if you are planning to take the MRT-3 this week.

Also read: Talaba Station Added to LRT-1 Cavite Extension Plan

What actually happened?

Image credit: ABS CBN news | official FB page

At around 7.36 in the morning on 17 June, a power cable on the northbound track between Cubao and Santolan stations caught fire. These stations are among the busiest along the line, so the timing was far from ideal. MRT-3 personnel immediately stopped the trains and followed safety procedures to protect the passengers.

Trains were held at the nearest stations while the maintenance crew checked the problem. Thankfully, no one was injured and the issue was contained quickly.

How long was the delay?

Image credit: ABS CBN news | official FB page

The disruption only lasted for a short while. By 8.13 in the morning, operations had already resumed. So if you were travelling mid-morning or later, you probably did not notice anything unusual. Still, for those caught in the middle of the incident, it meant looking for alternatives or simply waiting at the station.

Is it safe to ride the MRT-3 now?

Yes, it is. As of 18 June, MRT-3 services are back to normal. There have been no follow-up incidents or new announcements. This suggests that the problem was resolved efficiently. If you are planning to take the train this week, you should be good to go.

Travel tips for MRT-3 commuters

If the MRT-3 is part of your regular commute, or if you are exploring the city, here are a few simple tips to avoid being caught off guard:

Check transport updates before leaving home. You can follow official MRT-3 channels or check news sites.

Know your alternative routes. Buses, UV Express, and P2P services can be helpful in case of sudden changes.

Travel a bit earlier if you have a tight schedule, especially during peak hours.

Why this matters to local and visiting travellers

Image credit: ABS CBN news | official FB page

The MRT-3 is a popular choice for getting around Metro Manila. It connects key areas like Makati, Ortigas, and Quezon City, which makes it a go-to option for both locals and tourists. Although the system is generally reliable, issues like this power line fire show that unexpected delays can still happen.

What matters is how quickly these situations are handled. In this case, the MRT-3 team acted fast and prevented a larger disruption.

Also read: No More Long Queues: You Can Soon Use GCash and Cards to Pay for Train Rides in the Philippines

Final thoughts

While delays are inconvenient, they are sometimes unavoidable in a busy city like Manila. The MRT-3 incident on 17 June was brief and managed well. By 18 June, everything was back to normal, proving that the system remains safe and efficient.

So if you are planning to take the MRT-3 soon, there is no need to worry. Just stay updated, prepare a back-up route when needed, and travel smart.