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In a rare accident on Saturday, two trams collided in a tunnel in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, injuring dozens of passengers. The crash occurred near the city’s main train station, one of the busiest transit hubs in France, just before 4:00 pm local time.
Authorities reported that around 36 people were injured in the incident, while firefighters later stated that the number could be closer to 50. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, and officials indicated that no one was in “absolute urgency” following the collision.
The video footage shared by a witness on social media revealed the chaos following the impact, showing significant damage to the two trams, one of which had reportedly derailed. The cause of the crash is still unclear, and a public investigation has been initiated.
Chaos at Strasbourg Station as Emergency Response Teams Arrive
The crash caused severe disruptions in the area, with a large security perimeter set up in front of the station. Ambulances and emergency personnel were immediately deployed to the scene, where paramedics and firefighters treated the injured, transporting them to nearby hospitals for further care. The injured passengers, some of whom appeared to be in a state of shock, were taken in stretchers, while others received first aid under the station’s iconic glass roof.
Strasbourg’s mayor, Jeanne Barseghian, along with other local officials, rushed to the scene to assess the damage and offer support. “What we know at this stage is that there was a brutal collision between two trams, on the platform, under the station,” Barseghian stated. She assured that there were no fatalities and that most of the injuries were not life-threatening.
Injuries and Disruptions: Details from Witnesses
The tram collision left around 50 people with non-fatal injuries such as scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains, according to Rene Cellier, the director of Bas-Rhin’s fire and rescue service. Additionally, around 100 people who were aboard the trams were examined by doctors but did not report any significant injuries.
Witnesses described the impact as a loud “big bang,” with one unnamed bystander stating that a tram had reversed at full speed before the collision. The witness suggested that there might have been a problem with the tram’s brakes, though this has yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The timing of the incident coincided with disruptions caused by demonstrations earlier in the day, which had led to a reorganization of tram services. Patrick Maciejewski, the chairman of the Strasbourg transport company (CTS), explained that traffic jams caused by the demonstrations may have contributed to the confusion that preceded the crash.
A Rare Incident in Strasbourg’s Tram History
Strasbourg, a city located in the historic Alsace region, is known for its reliable tram network, which was reintroduced in 1994 after a 34-year hiatus. Since the return of the service, the city had not experienced any major accidents, making this collision a particularly rare event.
Transport and mobility expert Julien Joly highlighted the unusual nature of the accident, noting that the crash occurred in a tunnel located in one of the densest areas of the city, near the main station. Despite the severity of the incident, Joly reassured the public that trams remain a safe mode of transport, as they typically travel at a maximum speed of 30 km/h within the city.
A similar tram collision occurred in the same tunnel back in 1998, injuring 17 people. However, such incidents are extremely rare in Strasbourg’s modern tram history.
Investigation Launched into the Cause of the Accident
Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, with a focus on whether equipment failure, human error, or other factors contributed to the crash. As the investigation unfolds, officials are likely to provide more details regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the collision.
As the city of Strasbourg recovers from the shocking accident, residents and commuters continue to express their support for the injured, with many hoping for a swift resolution and restoration of the city’s transport services.
