Paris: At least 30 people were injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station. The accident occurred in the afternoon in a tunnel leading to the station near the city’s central train station.
Authorities reported chaotic scenes as smoke rose from the crash site, and alarms sounded.
One tram switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram, while other reports suggest one tram was reversing at the time of the collision. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud impact and seeing tram doors fly off.
A large security perimeter was set up around the station, and emergency services urged the public to avoid the area.
Strasbourg’s mayor Jeanne Barseghian confirmed a tram collision occurred but stated the cause was still unknown, calling for patience until the investigation’s results.
The local Fire and Rescue Service reported non-fatal injuries, including trauma, scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. Additionally, about 100 people were treated by doctors despite having no particular injuries.
Around 130 firefighters and 50 vehicles were dispatched to the scene. The situation was described as potentially much worse.
Both tram drivers were unharmed physically but were deeply shocked by the incident. An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.