Dubai: Thousands of commuters were affected after part of Dubai Metro's Red Line was closed on Sunday night after a small fire on the track, Gulf News has learnt.
A section of the Red Line between Al Jafiliya Station near Za'abeel Park and Terminal 3 Station was shut at around 7pm and remained closed until Monday morning. Trains were evacuated at Khalid Bin Waleed Station, Union Square Station and Al Rigga Station. A Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) spokesman confirmed there was smoke on the underground track between Union Square and Khalid Bin Waleed Stations. However, RTA officials remained tight-lipped about what had caused the incident.
"We are still investigating the cause of the smoke but initial findings reveal it was because of an electrical short circuit due to some water," the spokesman added. The Red Line was opened completely yesterday.
The spokesman said it was a minor issue but the RTA closed part of the track to thoroughly check it as part of the safety procedure. Emergency teams from the RTA, the Rail Agency, the contractor and operator Serco swung into action immediately to control the situation.
Free feeder buses were provided between Al Jafiliya and Terminal 3 stations.
"I was stunned when we were asked to evacuate the train and the station immediately at around 7.30pm on Sunday," said a passenger.
Hundreds of passengers stranded at Al Jafiliya station waited for buses from 7pm until late at night as the trains coming from the Mall of the Emirates side were terminated at the station.
The RTA spokesman said commuters should not worry about the safety of the Metro because the RTA has a comprehensive safety system in place.
