A fire in an overhead line between the Glòries and Clot stations has forced the closure of L1 of the Barcelona metro and the evacuation of a train. The SEM is attending to 120 people affected by smoke inhalation, most of whom are mild cases.
A fire in an overhead line has caused the closure of line 1 of the Barcelona metro between the Universitat and La Sagrera stations, as well as the evacuation of a train. The fire broke out shortly after 18:00 on Monday in the section between the El Clot and Glòries stations, according to sources from Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB).
Several units from the Barcelona Fire Brigade were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the flames. The fire was extinguished around 18:45, as confirmed by the operator. The main hypothesis suggests that the tunnel's covering may have caught fire, although an official report from the firefighters is still pending.
The dense smoke generated by the fire has also forced the closure of the El Clot station on line 2, as a precaution. Protecció Civil has activated the Ferrocat alert, the specific protocol for emergencies in rail transport.
The Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) has mobilised a total of 19 ambulances to the affected area. According to the SEM itself, medical teams are assessing 120 people who have been affected by smoke inhalation. By 19:30, 59 of them had been evaluated.
Of those assessed, one is in a less serious condition and 58 have mild symptoms. Three people have been transported by ambulance to the Hospital del Mar, while another six have been referred to the CUAP of Sant Martí. The rest of the affected individuals are being treated on-site or have been discharged there.
TMB has suspended the L1 service between the Universitat and La Sagrera stations and has closed several access points and stations on the line. The operator has set up an alternative bus service to cover the affected route, although users are advised to use other metro lines or public transport whenever possible.
The incident has caused significant delays and crowds at nearby stations, especially during the evening rush hour. TMB sources have indicated that efforts are underway to restore service as soon as possible, once firefighters and company technicians verify that there are no additional risks in the tunnel.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. Initial reports suggest a malfunction in the overhead line as the origin of the fire, which may have ignited the tunnel's covering. Firefighters have carried out ventilation work to dissipate the smoke accumulated inside the network.
This incident adds to other similar episodes that have occurred in recent years in the Barcelona metro network, where malfunctions in overhead lines have led to service interruptions and evacuations. The age of some facilities is a concern for users and trade unions in the sector.
Travellers are advised to check the official channels of TMB and the Barcelona City Council for the latest updates on service status and available transport alternatives. Normality is expected to be restored in the coming hours, once inspection and repair tasks are completed.
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