Two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station on Saturday, injuring 68 individuals, authorities stated.
Stories stated that one tram, which had been stopped, moved backwards down a slope for unknown causes, colliding with one other tram that was stationary.
Movies and pictures posted on social media confirmed two trams containing dozens of individuals inside. One video exhibits smoke rising and chaotic scenes as an alarm sounds.
A spokesman for the prefecture stated an investigation into the reason for the accident has been opened and no fatalities have been confirmed. Prosecutors stated the collision was not deliberate.
One eyewitness named Johan instructed AFP information company that he noticed one of many trams reversing at pace, including: “We heard a big effect, an enormous bang.”
One other eyewitness instructed BFM TV that the doorways of the tram flew off on impression.
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 world to permit emergency providers to entry the world.
The service’s director Rene Cellier stated among 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 stated.
He added that round 50 automobiles and 130 firefighters have been dispatched to the scene and that the state of affairs “may have been far more severe”.
Emmanuel Auneau, the director of the CTS – which is answerable for managing public transport in Strasbourg – stated the 2 tram drivers have been “not bodily injured, however are very shocked”.
