Dozens injured in Strasbourg tram collision
At least 30 people were injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station on Saturday, authorities said.
Videos and photos posted on social media showed two trams carrying dozens of people. A video shows smoke billowing and chaotic scenes as the alarm was raised.
Local media reported that the accident occurred when a tram changed tracks and collided with a stationary tram. Other reports state that a tram was overturning at the time.
A spokesman for the province said an investigation into the cause of the accident had been launched and no injuries were confirmed.
Strasbourg Mayor Jean Barseghian told reporters at the scene that there had been a collision with a tram, but that the cause was not known.
Barseghian called on people to wait for the results of the investigation, according to BFM TV.
An eyewitness named Johan told the AFP news agency that he saw a tram rapidly overturning, adding: “We heard a big shock, a big bang.”
Another eyewitness told BFM TV that the tram’s doors were blown off upon impact.
A large security cordon was set up in front of the station, the outlet reported.
The fire and rescue service of the Bas-Rhin region posted an X urging people to stay away from the area to allow emergency services to reach the area.
René Cellier, director of the service, said the few non-fatal injuries reported were “mostly concussions”, but also included skull lacerations, clavicle fractures and knee sprains.
“There are about 100 people who don’t have any significant injuries but are being looked at by doctors,” Cellier said.
He said about 50 vehicles and 130 firefighters were dispatched to the scene and the situation “could have been much more serious”.
Emmanuel Auneau, director of the CTS, responsible for managing public transport in Strasbourg, said both tram drivers were “not physically injured, but very traumatized”.
