LAXs embattled People Mover malfunctions with massive arc flash during routine test of train

The opening of the new SkyLink people-mover train at Los Angeles International Airport keeps getting delayed, and newly published video of a malfunction might reveal part of the reason why.Footage obtained by Fox LA from late September shows a massive electrical blast followed by fire and smoke on the tracks amid a test run of the highly anticipated train.People-mover expert Timothy Borchers said the incident is called an arc flash, or flashover, which results from electrical issues relating to the path of the electrical current.Borchers said the video was concerning.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story “This is one of the most severe flashovers I’ve ever witnessed,” he told Fox LA.

“It could lead to a potentially catastrophic electrical incident.”Borcher, who already reviewed reports of four flashovers at LAX, said there should be measures in place to immediately extinguish the flashover as soon as it begins.Instead, the video shows the electrical blasts continuing for a noticeable period.Los Angeles World Airports, in response to the video, pointed to a website that stated that arc flashes are not uncommon during testing.

LINXS, the contractor for the project, told Fox LA that “the system responded as designed, and System Demonstration Testing has restarted.”“LINXS remains committed to working with LAWA to successfully deliver the Automated People Mover and provide a world-class transportation system for the Los Angeles region,” it added in a statement.The 2.25-mile automated train, which would move people in between terminals, was supposed to open in 2023.It’s part of a $3.3 billion project that includes transportation between economy parking, the rental car center and the LAX Metro Transit Center.Instead, the opening has been pushed to s...