Brussels metro services 2 and 6 are now fully operational, following closure of parts of the line yesterday. Metro station Yser has also re-opened. Traffic was suspended on part of the line between Arts-Loi and Elisabeth on Thursday, and Yser station (between Rogier and Ribaucourt) completely closed, after passengers reporting pieces of concrete falling from the station roof.
The cause was traced to construction works being carried out at the surface, as part of the renovation of the Leopold II tunnel. “They were using a jack-hammer, and because of the vibrations, pieces of concrete had fallen on the metro lines,” explained Inge Paemen of Brussels Mobility.
At the public transport authority Stib, meanwhile, the danger was being played down. “The risk of collapse was rather exaggerated,” said spokesperson Guy Sablon. “We’re talking about a few pieces from the ceiling which fell. Experts were in attendance, and situation is now under control.” Yser station was opened in 1988 at the inauguration of metro line 2. In 2009 is also began to serve the new line 6.
On the instructions of the fire service, Brussels Mobility has installed a tarpaulin to catch any further falling pieces until a new layers of concrete can be applied.
Alan Hope
The Brussels Times
