Metro evacuated: possible pepper-spray attack

A suspected pepper spray attack disrupted all four Montreal metro lines Saturday evening. Police were called to Place-des-Arts station at 8:20 p.m. after about 20 people reported being affected by an irritant substance.

Firefighters and paramedics were also on hand to treat the victims. Some showed symptoms of exposure to irritant gas, but no serious injuries were reported and no transport to hospital was necessary. 

Place-des-Arts, Peel, and Berri-UQAM stations were evacuated for safety, and ventilation efforts were made to clear the gas. 

The substance was sprayed when two groups of young individuals clashed, according to Montreal Police. The suspects then boarded the metro and fled the scene. No arrests have been made. 53 pepper spray attacks occurred in the Montreal Metro between 2019 and 2023, according to STM statistics. And 11 attacks between January and April of 2024.   

Metro service gradually resumed by 10 p.m.