Helsinki Metro Fire at Hakaniemi Station Shuts Down Line

A fire broke out at Helsinki's Hakaniemi metro station on the evening of May 22, 2026, causing a complete shutdown of the metro line and mass evacuations. The incident, which has drawn attention in Finnish tech news, occurred in an electrical room within the station. Fire services responded to the scene at approximately 17:10 local time, reporting flames in the electrical room. The entire metro line was suspended as a safety measure, with passengers evacuated from both trains and platforms. While no fatalities have been confirmed, two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Police have cordoned off the area around Hakaniemi station, and the Helsinki region transport authority, known as HSL, advises commuters to use alternative bus services. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and searches for updates on service disruption and safety measures are expected to spike. This incident highlights the challenges facing urban infrastructure in Helsinki startups and the broader Finland technology sector. The metro line, a key part of Helsinki's transportation network, serves thousands of daily commuters and connects to tech hubs like Espoo innovation areas. Authorities are working to restore normal services as soon as possible.