ROME - Two cables broke on the Metro B on Thursday evening, causing two explosions and panic among passengers.

The disruption came at 6.30pm, and rush hour crowds poured out onto the pavement as six metro stations were evacuated as a security measure.

Line B was closed between Tiburtina and Rebbibia for most of the evening as technical checks were carried out.

ATAC, the company in charge of public transport for Rome, are currently attributing the incident to the throwing of firecrackers down a aeration vent near to Pietralata station.

The rest of the line remained in service, and the branches between Laurentina and Tiburtina and between Laurentina and Conca D’Oro were not affected.

No passenger or member of staff were harmed in the incident.

Metro service returned to normal this morning.

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