Bucharest metro station Universitate fire forces evacuation as storm damage triggers insulator fault

Incident

On 1 July 2026, around 15:20 local time, a fire broke out at the Universitate station on Bucharest Metro's Line 2 (Magistrala 2). The incident involved an insulator that arced and ignited due to high humidity and water infiltration following the violent storm that hit the capital earlier. Smoke quickly filled the platform and a loud blast was heard, according to several local media reports.

“Today, 1 July 2026, around 15:20, due to humidity, on Line 2 at Universitate station a technical defect was signalled consisting in the arcing of an insulator, a phenomenon that generated smoke.”

Passengers on the platform self-evacuated, while authorities ordered an emergency evacuation of all people inside the station. Moments of panic were reported but no casualties have been officially confirmed so far. One article noted that the fire occurred behind a train that was stopped at the station and about to depart towards Piața Unirii.

Emergency response

Metrorex activated the station's ventilation system to clear the smoke as quickly as possible. Specialised teams were dispatched to isolate the fault and carry out repairs. At Piața Romană station, mechanics announced over the public address system that trains would be held "until further notice". Train circulation on Line 2 was halted or severely disrupted.

“At this moment, Metrorex specialised teams are intervening to remedy the defect. The ventilation installation in the station has been activated to evacuate the smoke smell as quickly as possible. Metrorex continuously monitors the situation and will inform the public about any relevant developments.”

The company apologised to passengers for the major discomfort caused. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing; one initial theory points to a short circuit triggered by water penetrating the installations.

Earlier flooding at Piata Victoriei

Hours earlier, torrential rains battered Bucharest, flooding streets, underpasses and boulevards across all sectors of the capital. On the morning of 1 July, Metrorex temporarily closed Piața Victoriei 2 station on Line 1 after massive water ingress reached the tracks. Altered circulation was put in place while crews worked to pump out the water.

Transport disruption

With two key stations affected in a single day, the city's metro network faced significant operational strain. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the storm damage to underground infrastructure. The capital remains under a weather alert, and further incidents cannot be ruled out as saturated soil and infiltration risks persist.