A fire broke out near Villa Borghese, one of Rome's most iconic parks, causing major disruptions to the city's metro service on December 29. The incident, which began just before 6 PM, generated dense smoke, leading to the immediate closure of Spagna and Flaminio metro stations on Line A. Commuters reported moments of panic as the smoke infiltrated the tunnels, creating chaotic scenes for travelers.
The blaze reportedly started from service areas near Viale Giorgio Washington, where equipment and machinery were stored. According to the Roma command operations center, "the dense smoke formed probably entered the ventilation ducts connecting to the Spagna metro stop, clogging the tunnels where passengers were traveling, triggering the fire alarm." This caused considerable uproar as passengers rushed to exit the metro, overwhelmed by the air filled with smoke.
Witnesses described alarming scenes filled with fear; among them was Youtuber Simone Cicalone, who noted, "It smelled like burnt already from Barberini," indicating the smoke's long reach inside the metro system. With thousands of tourists and locals gathered nearby, the situation escalated quickly as authorities took precautionary measures.
Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and the Guardia di Finanza, rushed to the scene. By the time the fire was under control, reports surfaced of one victim: a 16-year-old boy who inhaled the toxic smoke. He was urgently transported to the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital for treatment and was classified as being in serious condition. Authorities confirmed, "There are no injuries, only much fear from the people who were on the metro."
The disruption spread beyond the metro station as the smoke engulfed areas of Piazza del Popolo. The smoke, which could be seen rising high above the city, created confusion among tourists and residents alike. Authorities advised passengers to use alternative stations, such as Lepanto or Barberini, until operations returned to normal. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers posed by urban fires, especially near busy public transport systems.
At the moment, investigations are underway to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire and to assess whether the blaze and smoke conditions were linked to any prior incidents. This event has raised concerns not only over the effectiveness of urban emergency response but also over the safety of public transport systems operating under potentially hazardous conditions.
While the metro stations remain closed, the public is left to wonder about the safety measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future. The fire serves as both a wake-up call and as, unfortunately, yet another chapter in the city's long history of dealing with urban emergencies. With the festive season drawing tourists to the city, many are left questioning what precautions will be taken to safeguard both residents and visitors alike from the dangers of urban fires.