Bucharest metro station shut after torrential rain floods tracks, one dead in Ilfov
Torrential overnight rain flooded the Piața Victoriei 2 metro station in Bucharest, forcing its closure and disrupting Line 1 services. One person died in Ilfov county after a tree fell on a car.
Overnight deluge
A red code weather warning was issued for Bucharest and surrounding Ilfov county as torrential rain battered the region on the night of 30 June to 1 July. Rainfall reached 100 litres per square metre, according to local reports. Authorities sent RO-Alert messages to residents, with the last alert valid until 02:00 on Wednesday morning.
Metro station closure
Water infiltrated the Piața Victoriei 2 station, flooding the track. Metrorex announced the temporary closure on Wednesday morning, citing safety concerns.
As a result of the heavy rainfall recorded in Bucharest and massive water infiltration, the track in Piața Victoriei 2 station was flooded. For safe operation, Piața Victoriei 2 station remains temporarily closed until the necessary interventions are completed and the situation is remedied.
Trains on Metro Line 1 are running in two segments: between Dristor 2 and Ștefan cel Mare (boarding at Ștefan cel Mare, line 2) and between Republica and Gara de Nord 1 (boarding at Gara de Nord 1). The Universitate station and underpass were also flooded during the night.
Wider transport chaos
The storm caused extensive disruption beyond the metro. Traffic lights failed in several southern Bucharest intersections, and Calea Văcărești was closed to traffic. Multiple trolleybuses were stranded. Major access roads including the A1 motorway, DN1, DN1A, and DN7 saw heavy congestion, along with the capital's ring road. Railway services in several parts of the country were hit by power outages and fallen trees on tracks. Some flights from Bucharest's two airports were diverted.
Emergency response
The Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) handled 925 incidents during the orange code storm that swept the capital. Metrorex said all stations are equipped with automatic pumping systems and that staff are trained to intervene according to operational procedures. Crews are working to pump out water and restore normal service.
- Heavy rainfall begins, up to 100 l/m² recorded
- Red code alert issued, RO-Alert messages sent
- Flooding at Universitate station and road underpasses
- Piața Victoriei 2 station closed, Line 1 disrupted
- Traffic lights fail, roads closed, flights diverted
- One fatality in Găneasa after tree falls on car
Fatal incident
In Găneasa, Ilfov county, a person died when a tree fell onto a moving car. The fatality was confirmed by ISU Bucharest-Ilfov, which continued to respond to a high volume of calls.
