Barcelona Metro L9 construction sinkhole

In early July, a sinkhole reaching a depth of eight meters was caused by Metro Line 9 construction works in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district of Barcelona. The incident forced the evacuation of approximately 300 residents across eight buildings.

By mid-August, Mayor Jaume Collboni confirmed that the return of residents would be voluntary and staggered. While about 60% of affected residents had received permission to return to certain buildings, others remained evacuated due to structural cracks and new cavities. Some residents were expected to wait until September to return.

By early September, legal action emerged as affected residents filed a collective lawsuit against the Generalitat. Represented by lawyer Carmen Pérez Pozo-Toledano, the suit seeks compensation for material, economic, and moral damages, citing ‘culpa in vigilando’ regarding the project promoter’s oversight. As of late August, 18 families and seven businesses remained displaced, with authorities estimating that some residents may not be able to return to their homes until early 2027 due to necessary stabilization work.