Two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station in France on Saturday, leaving 68 people injured, according to local authorities. One tram, which had been stationary, reportedly moved backwards down a slope for unknown reasons and struck another tram that was not in motion.
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes inside the trams, with smoke rising and alarms sounding. The trams were reportedly carrying dozens of passengers at the time of the collision.
A spokesperson for the prefecture confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched. Authorities emphasized that the collision was not deliberate, and no fatalities have been reported.
Eyewitness accounts provided further details. Johan, speaking to AFP, described seeing one tram reversing at high speed and said, “We heard a big impact, a big bang.” Another witness told BFM TV that the tram doors flew off upon impact. Emergency services established a large security perimeter around the station to manage the aftermath.
The Bas-Rhin region’s Fire and Rescue Service urged the public via social media to avoid the area to ensure emergency access. René Cellier, the director of the service, stated that the injuries ranged from “mostly trauma” to more severe cases, including scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. Approximately 100 people without serious injuries were also examined by medical professionals on-site.
Cellier added that around 50 emergency vehicles and 130 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, noting that the situation “could have been much worse.” Emmanuel Auneau, head of CTS, which oversees Strasbourg’s public transport, said the tram drivers were physically unharmed but deeply shaken by the incident.
