Brussels Metro lines 2 and 6 experienced significant disruptions for the second time on Monday after smoke was detected in the metro tunnel near Porte de Hal station, prompting an evacuation and emergency response.
The issue led to a temporary suspension of metro services between Trône and Brussels-Midi stations, causing inconvenience for commuters.
Public transport operator STIB/MIVB confirmed that the incident was caused by an overheated cable, which triggered the smoke detection system. Firefighters were quickly dispatched to the scene to assess and contain the situation.
“Everything is under control, but now a technical team is checking if there is any damage before allowing the metro to start running again,” a STIB/MIVB spokesperson told The Brussels Times.
The emergency response teams ensured that the situation remained safe, and no injuries were reported. However, the incident caused significant travel delays for metro passengers, who were forced to seek alternative transport options.
This marked the second disruption on the same metro lines on Monday. Earlier in the day, metro services between Porte de Hal and Simonis were also briefly halted due to a separate technical issue.
STIB/MIVB managed to resolve the earlier problem swiftly, restoring services before the second incident occurred later in the day.
The repeated disruptions have raised concerns among commuters and transport officials about the reliability of the metro system. Brussels Metro is a crucial part of the city’s public transport network, and any service interruptions can lead to widespread inconvenience for daily commuters and tourists alike.
STIB/MIVB has assured the public that efforts are being made to prevent further incidents. “Our technical teams are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and efficiency of metro operations,” the spokesperson added.
Monday’s incidents highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges within the Brussels Metro network. While STIB/MIVB has been investing in modernizing and maintaining its transport system, technical issues such as these underline the need for continuous monitoring and upgrades.
Commuters have expressed frustration over the disruptions, with many taking to social media to report delays and congestion. “This is the second time today that I’ve had to find another way to get to work. It’s becoming a real problem,” one passenger wrote on Twitter.
Authorities have urged passengers to stay updated on real-time service alerts through official STIB/MIVB channels to avoid further inconvenience. While metro services are expected to resume once the safety inspections are complete, STIB/MIVB has not provided an exact timeline for full restoration.
With the Brussels Metro playing a vital role in the city’s public transport system, ensuring its reliability remains a key priority for transport authorities.
The repeated issues on Monday serve as a reminder of the challenges in maintaining a busy urban transit network and the importance of rapid response measures to keep commuters moving efficiently.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
