Impact Level: Notification

Locations Affected: Arts-Loi, Elisabeth, Clemenceau, Trône, Porte de Hal, Yser, Simonis (Elisabeth), Ribaucourt, Brussels, Belgium

Tracking Id: RINTP2724235070

Description:

As per reports, early Saturday (10 May) afternoon, the Ribaucourt metro station in Molenbeek was evacuated following a fire incident under a metro car. Emergency response was initiated by the Brussels fire department.

• The fire was swiftly contained, and no immediate injuries were reported. The incident triggered a precautionary evacuation of the station to ensure commuter safety.
• Later on Saturday (10 May), a new smoke outbreak occurred aboard the same metro train while it was at Porte de Hal station. This incident led to the immediate evacuation of Porte de Hal, with fire services once again deployed to control the situation.
• The Brussels transport authority, STIB, confirmed that the fire had been contained as of 1800 hours (local time) on Saturday (10 May). However, metro services between Trône and Clemenceau were temporarily suspended as a direct consequence.
• As a result, metro services between Elisabeth and Arts-Loi were temporarily disrupted. Services were later restored on this segment, but new suspensions were implemented between Trône and Clemenceau.
• The affected train, en route to the depot, reignited at Porte de Hal. STIB officials confirmed a renewed smoke emission during its relocation. Firefighters managed the fire once more, but metro operations on lines Two and Six were interrupted between Elisabeth and Arts-Loi for an undetermined duration.
• The driver of the train was hospitalized as a precautionary measure for possible smoke inhalation. Assessment and repair work are ongoing in coordination with the Brussels fire brigade.

Impact:

• Suspension of metro services between Trône and Clemenceau, and earlier between Elisabeth and Arts-Loi, may cause delays and disruptions to regular commuter flow on lines Two and Six.
• Temporary evacuation of five metro stations: Ribaucourt, Simonis (Elisabeth), Yser, Porte de Hal, and Trône, resulting in accessibility issues.
• Possible health risk to personnel, evidenced by hospitalisation of the train driver due to smoke inhalation.
• Increased travel times and pressure on alternative transport modes are expected. Potential business disruptions are expected due to reduced customer access and employee delays in affected zones.

Recommendations:

• Advised to seek alternate transport routes using STIB bus and tram services or ride-sharing platforms until full metro services are restored.
• Advised to monitor official STIB communication channels (https://www.stib-mivb.be/home) and local news for live updates on service resumption.
• Advised to allow for additional travel time and avoid non-essential travel through the affected zones, particularly near Porte de Hal and Trône.
• Businesses are recommended to review and update business continuity plans for handling transit disruptions.

Sources:
• https://www.lalibre.be/regions/bruxelles/2025/05/10/une-station-de-metro-evacuee-ce-samedi-a-bruxelles-ce-quon-sait-photos-M2UBJV3U5FDLRNBZQOWRA65KXQ/
• https://www.dhnet.be/regions/bruxelles/bruxelles-mobilite/2025/05/10/lignes-2-et-6-du-metro-bruxellois-interrompues-entre-trone-et-clemenceau-N2XSRZQJVNCOZD4KBO3TFY6GE4/
• https://www.7sur7.be/belgique/plusieurs-stations-du-metro-bruxellois-evacuees-apres-un-debut-d-incendie-a-ribaucourt~a748299f/