Smoke bombs cripple Montreal subway system during morning rush hour
Posted May 10, 2012 11:05:02 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MONTREAL – Smoke bombs have been set off at multiple points in Montreal’s metro system, cutting off service and creating a nightmarish morning commute.
The incident occurred near the peak of morning rush hour Thursday.
There have been other interruptions to subway service in recent weeks, as the city deals with unwieldy protests.
But this one was notable.
There were reports of smoke-filled stations at key transfer points, crippling the entire system.
An attempt to restart the system quickly failed, with another smoke attack reported, prompting authorities to declare yet another shutdown. There was eventually word that service was gradually returning, shortly before 10 a.m.
The trickle-down effect was felt in the city’s streets, with long lineups at bus stops and increased traffic under a heavy drizzle.
There were reports on social media of some incidents, like ambulances struggling to get through traffic.
Locals vented their rage.
One listener wrote to local radio station CJAD to say that Premier Jean Charest should withdraw whatever offer he has made to students, and demand that the Army be called in. Other commenters on news websites likened it to domestic terrorism.
Police, however, have not pointed the blame at anyone yet. They have repeatedly said in recent weeks that some radical groups have been taking advantage of students’ anti-tuition battle to create their own damage.
There were also reports of civic-mindedness Thursday, with people offering rides and with a temporary increase in BIXI public-bicycle service.
