At the very least 30 individuals have been injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station on Saturday, authorities mentioned.
Movies and images posted on social media confirmed two trams containing dozens of individuals inside. One video reveals smoke rising and chaotic scenes as an alarm sounds.
Native media reported that the crash occurred after one of many trams switched tracks and collided with a stationary tram. Different reviews mentioned one tram was reversing on the time.
A spokesman for the prefecture mentioned an investigation into the reason for the accident has been opened and no fatalities have been confirmed.
Strasbourg’s mayor Jeanne Barseghian informed reporters on the scene there had been a collision involving a tram, however the trigger was not identified.
In line with BFM TV, Barseghian known as on individuals to attend for the outcomes of the investigation.
One eyewitness named Johan informed AFP information company that he noticed one of many trams reversing at pace, including: “We heard a huge impact, a giant bang.”
One other eyewitness informed BFM TV that the doorways of the tram flew off on influence.
The outlet reported that a big safety perimeter was arrange in entrance of the station.
The Bas-Rhin area’s Fireplace and Rescue Service posted on X urging individuals to keep away from the realm to permit emergency providers to entry the realm.
The service’s director Rene Cellier mentioned among the non-fatal accidents reported have been “largely trauma”, but in addition embrace scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains.
“There are additionally round 100 individuals who don’t have any explicit accidents however are being seen by the docs,” Cellier mentioned.
He added that round 50 autos and 130 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene and that the state of affairs “may have been rather more severe”.
Emmanuel Auneau, the director of the CTS – which is answerable for managing public transport in Strasbourg – mentioned the 2 tram drivers have been “not bodily injured, however are very shocked”.
