A release of smoke under a metro train disrupted the STIB network, already under pressure today by a movement for the defense of women’s rights and by the threat of an attack.
The Brussels firefighters intervened, around 3:40 p.m., on the platform of the Gare du Midi metro station. A release of smoke declared under a subway train. “The fire was smoldering under a car of the train, at the height of a bogie [chariot se trouvant sous un véhicule ferroviaire]”, explained Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels fire brigade. “We made a hole in the floor of the car so we could put out the fire“, he clarified.
Passengers were evacuated from the station and the network was interrupted between Arts-Loi and Osseghem. Shortly before 6 p.m., the intervention of the firefighters ended.
► See also | The threat of an attack in the Brussels metro considered “unlikely” according to the Crisis Center
The incident is not serious and unrelated to the threat of an attack. Firefighter spokesman Walter Derieuw specifies that the origin of this release of smoke is of accidental origin. The intervention further complicates this day, also disrupted by a movement on the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day.
► Read also | Women’s Rights Day: the STIB network is very disrupted
MD – Photo: Siamu Brussels