Staroměstská metro station to partially reopen, but entry remains closed

Prague’s Staroměstská metro station will partially reopen Wednesday, more than two weeks after a fire damaged its escalators, officials said. The station will be accessible for exiting passengers only; entry remains closed as repairs continue.

The fire broke out on the night of July 5, when a burning object was thrown onto an escalator that was under reconstruction.

Surveillance footage captured six young men at the scene, all of whom later turned themselves in. Police say the incident is being investigated as public endangerment due to negligence, a charge that carries a sentence of up to five years if convicted.

Initial damage was estimated at approximately CZK 1 million (about USD 43,000). One person received treatment at the scene, but no serious injuries were reported.

Prague’s transport company, DPP, said it managed to restore partial functionality by using parts salvaged from damaged machinery.

“As part of the planned repair, we managed to put one of the escalators into operation using parts from damaged equipment after the emergency,” DPP spokesperson Aneta Řehková said.

The full reopening of the station is expected in August, though a more precise timeline will depend on further inspections. Technicians continue to replace wiring, clean mechanical components, and assess the extent of damage.

The fire and resulting closure came during Prague’s peak tourist season, increasing pressure on nearby stations like Můstek. Authorities have urged commuters to plan accordingly while the station remains partially closed.