Metro services in Brussels were disrupted on March 24, 2025, due to a smoke incident caused by an overheating electrical cable. Affected lines include metro lines 2 and 6, which had their operations halted between the Gare du Midi and Trône stations following the technical difficulties.
According to the Brussels Intercommunal Transport Company (STIB), the problem was specifically traced to an electrical cable overheating in the tunnel of the Porte de Hal station. Walter Derieuw, a spokesman for the Brussels firefighters, confirmed that emergency services were dispatched but noted that their intervention was limited as they worked to manage the situation.
Passenger experiences during the interruption painted a vivid picture of the chaos. One traveler named Jean reported via the orange alert button, "I am at Gare du Midi... everything has been at a standstill for 30 minutes, no metro or tram are running." Another passenger, François, added that "a fire has broken out in the metro," indicating the severity of the situation.
STIB alerted commuters to alternate travel options, suggesting they use metro lines 1 and 5, along with tram lines 4 and 10, until services could return to normal. Given the unexpected nature of the disruption, it remains unclear how long the delays will persist. As of now, STIB teams have been inspecting technical installations and suspect a possible switching problem. "It will probably take some time to analyze the problem," they stated, leaving commuters in limbo regarding when they could expect normal service to resume.
Despite the alarming situation, it was noted that no injuries have been reported as a result of the incident. The fire department and STIB assured that the situation was under control, emphasizing they were managing the aftermath of the overheating cable effectively. A representative from STIB even remarked, "Les services de secours et nos collègues maîtrisent la situation", underlining the stability of the situation as they continue to investigate.
The unexpected interruption caused frustration for many commuters, as public transport plays a critical role in the daily lives of Brussels residents. As reports of the incident spread quickly through social media and messaging services, many expressed their annoyance with the delays while simultaneously showing concern for those who might have been in the metro during the initial outbreak of smoke.
With the ongoing analysis and investigations into the cause of the overheating cable, the STIB reminded users to stay updated through their official communications for the latest information regarding service recovery efforts. This incident highlights both the complexities of urban transport systems and the rapid responses needed when technical malfunctions occur.
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the cause of the malfunction, how they plan to address similar risks in the future, and what improvements could be made to ensure commuter safety. The myriad of reactions from passengers illustrates the profound impact that such incidents can have on daily transit experiences, emphasizing the need for quick resolutions and effective communication strategies in urban transport systems.
Given the uncertainties surrounding this matter, it is clear that the diligent work of emergency services and transport officials is vital. Their commitment to restoring functionality while ensuring passenger safety demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining a robust public transportation system in a bustling city such as Brussels. Time will tell how this situation unfolds, but for the moment, those who rely on metro lines 2 and 6 will have to navigate alternative routes until services can be restored to full operation.
