Tram Collision in Strasbourg Leaves Dozens Injured, Investigation Underway
A significant accident occurred in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Saturday afternoon when two trams collided in a tunnel leading to the city's central train station. The incident resulted in dozens of injuries, though none were reported to be critical, according to local authorities.
René Cellier, director of the Bas-Rhin fire and rescue service, reported that emergency services responded with a substantial force, deploying 130 firefighters and 50 rescue vehicles to the scene. In total, around 100 other individuals were assessed for shock or stress, indicating the psychological toll the accident took on witnesses.
Of those injured, about 50 individuals sustained serious injuries, including scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but Cellier noted that the situation could have escalated dramatically.
The cause of the tram collision remains unclear at this time; however, local media sources have suggested that one of the trams was reversing when the accident occurred.
Strasbourg's Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, who visited the site shortly after the incident, described the crash as a 'brutal collision'. She expressed her gratitude towards the emergency responders, stating on X, 'I am at the station with the injured and rescuers. Thank you for your mobilisation.' The mayor also implored the public not to obstruct rescue operations, highlighting the need for a clear path for emergency services.
Images and videos circulated on social media portrayed the aftermath of the collision, showing two severely damaged tram cars, one of which had derailed within the tunnel. This incident marks a significant event for Strasbourg, a city known for being the first major French city to reinstate tram services in 1994, and until now, it had not experienced any substantial tram accidents.
In light of the accident, local authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the factors that led to the collision. Cleanup operations continued into the evening, with officials advising people to avoid the vicinity of the central train station as efforts were made to clear the area and ensure safety.
As the investigation unfolds, the community reflects on the unusual severity of this event and the importance of tram safety in urban environments.
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