An incident on the Biscay metro highlighted once again the risks associated with everyday tech devices. The explosion of a mobile phone right inside a train carriage led to an emergency evacuation and temporary service disruption. For both passengers and staff, such occurrences are not just rare events, but serve as an alarming sign of potential threats in public transport, where safety depends on many factors.
The incident took place in the morning, while the metro train was near Leioa station. One passenger suddenly found himself the center of attention: his smartphone unexpectedly exploded, causing a small but noticeable flash and dense smoke. In a matter of seconds, the mood in the carriage changed—there was the smell of burning, panic among passengers, and attempts to understand what had happened. Metro staff acted quickly: first aid was provided to the injured man, and the rest of the passengers were efficiently evacuated from the train.
Emergency response
Metro staff immediately called emergency services. A medical team arrived on site to examine the man injured in the device explosion. Fortunately, his condition was assessed as minor, and serious consequences were avoided. Nonetheless, the incident itself caused concern among both passengers and transport employees.
In accordance with safety protocol, the train was fully evacuated. The reason was not only the threat of another explosion, but also rapidly spreading smoke, which could impede breathing and cause panic. Other trains continued to run on schedule to minimize delays and avoid putting additional strain on the line.
Impact on passengers
Passengers at the center of the incident noted that everything happened very quickly. Many felt stressed and confused, but the coordinated actions of the staff helped prevent mass panic. After evacuation, people waited on the platform until the situation was fully under control. For some, this incident prompted reflection on the safety of personal devices and the importance of monitoring their condition.
Authorities reminded the public of the importance of regularly checking batteries and using only certified chargers. Such incidents, though rare, can have serious consequences if basic precautions are not followed. This time, tragedy was avoided, but things could have turned out differently.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, isolated incidents of mobile device fires or explosions have been reported in Spain and other European countries, often occurring in public places. The main causes were faulty batteries or non-original components. In 2024, a similar incident took place on a train in southern Madrid, which also required the evacuation of passengers. No one was injured then, but the transport company tightened safety controls along the line.
In Barcelona in 2025, there was a reported case of an electronic device catching fire on a bus, which temporarily halted service and prompted checks of all vehicles for uncertified gadgets. Such incidents are prompting discussions about new safety standards and efforts to better inform the public about the risks of using electronic devices in public areas.
