Fire and Heavy Smoke Disrupt Barcelona Metro Services

A fire involving the overhead power system on Barcelona Metro Line L1 caused heavy smoke, station closures and major disruption on the afternoon of 27 July 2026.

The incident occurred between El Clot and Glòries stations during the mid-to-late afternoon. Reports placed the start of the fire sometime between 16:00 and 18:00 local time.

Dense smoke spread through the tunnels and reached El Clot station and the surrounding area. One train had to be evacuated after smoke entered the carriages. Images from the scene showed passengers covering their faces and crouching close to the floor in an attempt to avoid inhaling the fumes.

El Clot station, which serves both lines L1 and L2, was closed, while trains on L2 continued through the station without stopping. Glòries station was also evacuated.

Services on L1 were severely disrupted, particularly along the central section of the line. Operations were suspended or restricted between Universitat and La Sagrera, while partial services continued on other sections.

The incident also affected road transport in the area. Several bus routes, including services operating along Avinguda Meridiana, were diverted or temporarily suspended to allow emergency vehicles to reach the scene.

The fire is understood to have involved the catenary system, which supplies electricity to metro trains through the overhead power line. Emergency services were deployed to deal with the fire, evacuate passengers and clear the smoke from the tunnels and stations.