On October 16, 2026, the Sol metro station was ordered closed by regional authorities after a technical environmental report detected high levels of ammonia in the ventilation systems. Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, announced the closure, stating that urgent cleaning and safety measures were required before the facility could resume operations. The request for closure came from labor prevention departments and unions, who highlighted unsanitary conditions in the area. The regional government has also requested the eviction of the campers located at Kilómetro Cero, noting that accumulated urine is driving up ammonia levels in the ventilation wells. While the Cercanías service remains operational, the Sol station will stay closed until cleaning and safety work is completed. The protest in Puerta del Sol lasted 21 days, during which the encampment persisted and contributed to the sanitation crisis. Officials have warned of potential peleas, vandalism, and health risks stemming from the lack of oversight. Reports indicate that the statue of the Bear and Chestnut Tree, as well as the equestrian statue of Carlos III, have been vandalized, and investigators are looking into whether the water from the Carlos III statue was used as a swimming pool. Ayuso criticized the Spanish government, saying that Pedro Sánchez has decided to keep the city reventada, atascada, incómoda because he does not want them to succeed and wants to demonstrate the Spain they will receive.
