Brussels Metro Lines 2 and 6 Resume After Smoke Disruption

Brussels metro lines 2 and 6 experienced a service interruption Thursday morning between Simonis and Porte de Hal stations after a smoke emission was detected between the Delacroix and Clemenceau stops. Traffic was fully restored approximately two hours after the disruption began, according to RTBF.

The STIB, Brussels’ public transport operator, announced the interruption during the morning rush hour, affecting commuters traveling through the western section of the Belgian capital’s metro network.

Cause of the Disruption

Brussels firefighters were called to the scene after detecting a smoke emission between the Delacroix and Clemenceau stations. Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels fire department, confirmed the cause of the incident.

“It’s about a smoke emission between the Delacroix and Clemenceau stops,” Derieuw told RTL Info. “It’s a railway crossing that was smoking in the open air between the two stops.”

The fire department’s intervention was completed within the hour, and the STIB confirmed that metro traffic on lines 2 and 6 resumed shortly thereafter. A Brussels resident named Andrei had alerted RTL Info via the outlet’s “Alertez-nous” button about a large firefighter deployment at the Delacroix metro station.

A Recurring Issue

This was the second disruption on the same lines within 24 hours. According to La Libre, an interruption had already occurred Wednesday evening on lines 2 and 6, also due to a smoke emission near Clemenceau station. That smoke also originated from a railway crossing, and the disruption was quickly resolved.

The recurring nature of these incidents in the Delacroix-Clemenceau area raises questions about the condition of the infrastructure on this section of the network. The DH reported that the suspension lasted approximately two hours in total.

Background on Lines 2 and 6

Metro line 6 is a loop-shaped line following the “Petite Ceinture” (small ring road) around Brussels’ city center, running from Roi Baudouin to Simonis. Line 2 shares much of the same route through the central section of the city. Both lines serve key stations including Gare du Midi (Brussels South Station), Porte de Hal, Clemenceau, Delacroix, Gare de l’Ouest, and Simonis.

The lines have experienced multiple disruptions in recent years, including incidents related to smoke emissions, technical failures, and even security concerns. The STIB is currently undertaking a modernization program that includes installing new Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling on lines 1 and 5, which is expected to make traffic organization “more reliable and flexible” according to the operator.

What to Watch For

The consecutive-day disruptions caused by smoking railway crossings in the same area may indicate aging infrastructure that could require maintenance or replacement. Commuters on lines 2 and 6 may face continued disruptions if the underlying issue is not addressed. The STIB has not yet announced any specific maintenance plans for the affected section.

For now, normal service has resumed on both lines, and the STIB has confirmed that operations are back to standard scheduling. Passengers are advised to check real-time updates from the operator for any future changes to service.