Ayuso announces the closure of the Sol station to carry out cleaning work due to unsanitary conditions

The Madrid Metro station at Sol has been closed indefinitely due to health concerns linked to the accumulation of waste from an ongoing encampment in the area. The station, which serves lines 1, 2, and 3, was shut down midday without a specified reopening date. Authorities have stated that the closure will remain in effect until heavy machinery can access the plaza to clean ventilation shafts and entrances affected by the buildup of organic waste. According to officials, the decision was made after detecting high levels of ammonia in the station’s ventilation systems, attributed to the accumulation of urine and other organic residues from the encampment. The work required to address these conditions cannot proceed while the encampment remains in place, as large vehicles needed for cleaning are currently unable to enter the square due to the presence of protesters. Transportation Councilor Jorge Rodrigo sent a letter to the delegate of the Spanish government in Madrid, Francisco Martín Aguirre, requesting the removal of the encampment to allow for necessary cleaning operations. This marks the second communication from Rodrigo to the delegate within a short timeframe, following earlier reports of elevated ammonia levels detected by an external laboratory. Madrid Regional President Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced the closure during an interview with EsRadio, stating that the decision was prompted by requests from occupational safety authorities and unions. She emphasized that current conditions inside the station pose serious health risks and described the situation as “gravissimo.” The closure comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the encampment, which has lasted nearly twenty days and drawn criticism from local residents and officials alike. The encampment, initially sparked by protests against housing policies, has grown significantly over time, with thousands of individuals occupying the central square. The movement gained momentum following the eviction of Maricarmen, a woman who died two weeks after being forcibly removed from her home. While the protest began as a rejection of the entire political class, much of the anger has since turned toward Ayuso, whose government faced scrutiny over its handling of housing issues. Authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the encampment, citing damage to public spaces and disruption to daily life. Despite these efforts, the encampment persists, with no clear resolution in sight. Meanwhile, the closure of the Sol station has disrupted subway services, with trains passing through the station without stopping, preventing passengers from accessing the area. In addition to the health-related concerns, incidents involving violence have occurred within the encampment. Earlier this week, a man was detained after allegedly threatening a coordinator with a knife. Police confirmed the arrest took place early Friday morning, though the individual was not found in possession of the weapon. The incident highlights the growing tensions in the area, where protests have escalated into confrontations. The closure of the Sol station underscores the complex interplay between public health, urban management, and social unrest. As officials continue to push for the removal of the encampment, the situation remains unresolved, with no immediate plans for the station's reopening.