Strasbourg tram accident leaves dozens injured in shocking crash

A terrifying crash in the heart of Strasbourg has left dozens of people injured after two trams collided in a city centre tunnel on the afternoon of January 11. Thankfully, no critical injuries have been recorded. It could have been much worse, according to authorities.

Around 50 people were said to have sustained injuries ranging from scalp wounds to fractured collarbones and sprained knees, with French authorities confirming that none of the injuries were critical.

One hundred more were assessed for shock or stress. Police were quick to block access to the station, as emergency services scrambled to take control of the scene. Over 130 firefighters and 50 rescue vehicles were sent to clear the area.

The exact cause of the crash remains a mystery, but a video surfaced on social media showing the two trams after damaged and full of passengers after the collision. People could be heard screaming in the background.  

Local media have speculated that one of the trams was reversing when disaster struck. Images shared on social media have shown two tram cars severely damaged, one of which had even derailed inside the tunnel.

Strasbourg’s Mayor Jeanne Barseghian wasted no time visiting the site of the wreckage, calling it a ‘brutal collision‘ and expressing her heartfelt thanks to the brave rescuers. “I am at the station with the injured and rescuers. Thank you for your mobilisation,” she said on X (formerly Twitter). She also urged the public not to get in the way of rescue operations.

Strasbourg, a city known for pioneering tram services in 1994, has never witnessed an incident on this scale until now. The city’s residents were advised to stay clear of the area as cleanup efforts continued long into the evening.

Authorities have now launched an investigation to get to the bottom of the incident and to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again.

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