Dozens Injured as Two Trams Collide in Strasbourg, France

Two trams collided on Saturday, January 11, at Strasbourg’s central station in France. Fifty individuals have sustained injuries, with five reported to be in critical condition.

The shocking accident occurred on Saturday afternoon. One tram accidentally switched tracks and collided with a tram that was not in motion inside the station’s tunnel.

French emergency services immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation for the passengers. Numerous ambulances and first responders rushed to the scene fearing the worst.

Eyewitnesses captured dramatic footage with their phones. Videos showed passengers attempting to open tram doors by force, fearing for their lives.

FLASH INFO – Collision entre deux tramways ce samedi à la gare de Strasbourg : une trentaine de blessés selon un premier bilan. L’un des tramways aurait accidentellement emprunté une autre voie avant de percuter un tram à l’arrêt. (@Samstark75)#France #Strasbourg pic.twitter.com/hmvNBsZF0O

— Media Express (@media_express_e) January 11, 2025

The smoke quickly and swiftly filled the underground station in only a few moments, making the situation much scarier for those trapped.

French police quickly established a security perimeter around the station to facilitate access for emergency crews, rushing to treat the wounded.

The incident is the first major accident on Strasbourg’s tram network since its reintroduction more than thirty years ago, in 1994.

Strasbourg was among the first cities to bring trams back to French urban transport. The tram system maintained an impressive safety record until today’s collision.

Local authorities have urged the public to avoid several areas around the station until further notice. These include the popular Place des Halles and Boulevard du Président Wilson, to ensure emergency services can operate effectively.

All of the passengers have now been evacuated and the injured are transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment and emergency care following the initial emergency response. Officials have launched an investigation to determine whether a signaling error or technical malfunction caused the accident. Nonetheless, there is still no clear indication as to what caused this accident.

Local police have advised passengers to seek alternative routes or means of transportation while the investigation continues and emergency teams work to clear the scene.

#Colision entre deux tramways à #Strasbourg: le bilan s’élève désormais à une cinquantaine de blessés et une centaine d’impliqués #tram #tramway pic.twitter.com/eOL5iugbev

— 24 Hours Europe (@24heuropegr) January 11, 2025

Where is Strasbourg, where the trams collided

Strasbourg is the prefecture of the Alsace region on France’s eastern border with Germany. The city and region act as a symbolic bridge between France and Germany and has been the epicenter of European reconciliation after centuries of conflict between these two major European powers.

Strasbourg serves as a pivotal location within the European Union, selected to host key EU institutions since 1949. It is currently designated as the official seat of the European Parliament, hosting monthly plenary sessions.

The city’s European District houses EU institutions and the Council of Europe, including the European Court of Human Rights. Strasbourg shares the distinction of being one of only four cities to host major international institutions without being a national capital, along with New York and Geneva.