At the least 30 individuals have been injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station on Saturday, authorities mentioned.
Movies and photographs 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 keeping 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, an enormous 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 Hearth and Rescue Service posted on X urging individuals to keep away from the realm to permit emergency companies to entry the realm.
The service’s director Rene Cellier mentioned a few of the non-fatal accidents reported have been “principally trauma”, but additionally embody scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains.
“There are additionally round 100 individuals who haven’t any explicit accidents however are being seen by the medical doctors,” Cellier mentioned.
He added that round 50 autos and 130 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene and that the scenario “may have been way more critical”.
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”.