A tram collision occurred in Strasbourg beneath the train station, injuring approximately 36 people. Initial reports indicated around fifty individuals experienced minor injuries. An investigation for involuntary injuries has been launched, with preliminary findings ruling out intentional wrongdoing. The collision was attributed to a tram malfunction that caused it to reverse unexpectedly. Witness accounts describe a loud crash and dislodged doors, while authorities emphasize the rarity of such incidents in tram operations, which have a history in the city.
Tram Collision in Strasbourg: A Rare Incident
On a Saturday afternoon, a rare and alarming incident occurred when two trams collided beneath the Strasbourg train station, leading to numerous injuries. Initial reports from firefighters indicated around fifty individuals sustained minor injuries, while approximately a hundred others were unharmed.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot shared on BFMTV that the injury count was likely around 36. In response to the accident, the prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation for involuntary injuries, focusing on uncovering the causes and assessing any potential criminal liabilities.
Investigation and Reactions
Interim public prosecutor Alexandre Chevrier clarified that preliminary investigations have dismissed the possibility of a deliberate act. A significant security perimeter was established outside the station, with many ambulances on standby for emergency response. Injured passengers were evacuated on stretchers, while others received assistance under the station’s glass roof.
A video acquired by AFP depicted the severity of the collision, showcasing heavily damaged trams and passengers on the platform. “What we know at this stage is that there was a brutal collision between two trams, at the platform, under the station,” stated ecologist mayor Jeanne Barseghian, who was quick to arrive at the scene.
The collision occurred shortly before 4:00 PM. Patrick Maciejewski, president of the Strasbourg transport company (CTS), explained that the tram experienced a malfunction, leading it to reverse unexpectedly. “Several days will be required to restore tram operations at this station,” CTS noted in a press release.
Passenger Romaric Koumba recounted the harrowing moment, stating, “The tram reversed, and suddenly, we realized another tram had already entered the station. Thankfully, that tram was stopped.” He described how the impact caused doors to dislodge from the vehicles.
General Inspector René Cellier, head of the Bas-Rhin fire and rescue service, reported that the injuries primarily involved trauma cases, including non-life-threatening scalp wounds and a few fractures. He emphasized the situation could have been significantly worse.
Witness Johan described the incident, stating he was on a tram at a stop when another tram unexpectedly reversed at full speed due to a braking issue, resulting in a loud crash. Transport consultant Julien Joly observed that such tram collisions are rare, with most accidents typically involving vehicles. He reassured users that trams remain a safe mode of transport, with speed limits in place to ensure safety.
Strasbourg has a historical context with trams, being one of the first major French cities to reintroduce a tram network in 1994. Interestingly, this location had seen a similar accident in 1998, where excessive speed led to another tram collision, resulting in 17 injuries.