KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): Rapid KL has identified a thin wire that is believed to have come into contact with the rail power supply system as the cause of a minor explosion involving a Light Rail Transit (LRT) train at Taman Jaya Station on Tuesday evening.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the operator said investigations found that the melted wire discovered at the scene was not part of the train's components or the railway infrastructure.

The incident involved Train No. 57, which was travelling towards Putra Heights when the explosion occurred at approximately 7.18pm. As a precaution, the train was immediately withdrawn from service for further technical inspection.

All passengers were safely evacuated at the next station and were able to continue their journey on another train. Preliminary checks by Rapid KL's technical team found no damage to the train or any of its operating components.

The operator also inspected the rail infrastructure along the section between Universiti Station and Taman Jaya Station. The inspections confirmed that the tracks and related infrastructure remained in good condition and were safe for normal operations.

To further ensure service safety, Rapid KL carried out a detailed inspection of the affected section after operating hours. The company said it treats all safety-related incidents seriously and will continue investigating the cause while implementing preventive measures to minimise the risk of similar incidents in the future.

No injuries were reported, and services on the Kelana Jaya Line continued operating as scheduled following the incident.

Videos circulating on social media shortly after the event showed an LRT train leaving the station before a loud bang was heard, accompanied by visible sparks.

What We Learn

The incident demonstrates the importance of routine monitoring and rapid emergency response in public transportation systems. Although the explosion initially raised safety concerns, investigations indicate that the cause was an external thin wire rather than a failure of the train or rail infrastructure. Rapid KL's immediate actions—removing the affected train from service, safely transferring passengers, conducting comprehensive inspections and continuing investigations—highlight the operator's emphasis on maintaining passenger safety while ensuring minimal disruption to rail services.