Ecublens Fire Disrupts Lausanne-Geneva Train Line, Closes A1 Highway

A fire at an industrial waste recycling plant in Ecublens, Vaud canton, sent thick smoke billowing into the sky Friday evening, prompting authorities to issue an alert.

The blaze erupted at the Thévenaz-Leduc facility, a center for recycling metals and industrial waste. The Vaud cantonal authorities disseminated an alert via the AlertSwiss platform, urging residents in the western Lausanne area to close their windows and doors. They were also advised to shut down ventilation and air conditioning systems and to avoid the affected zone.

Train traffic on the busy Lausanne-Geneva line faced significant disruptions. Services were suspended between Renens and Denges-Echandens due to the heavy smoke. The Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) indicated that all trains on this route were canceled, with disruptions expected to last until Saturday morning around 5 a.m.

Adding to the chaos, the fire also led to the closure of the A1 highway in both directions near Ecublens, according to the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS).