Two trams collided in Strasbourg, eastern France, on Saturday, resulting in dozens of injuries with no critical cases, according to authorities. The incident occurred in a tunnel leading to the city’s central train station during the afternoon. Approximately 100 other individuals, although unharmed, experienced shock and stress, as reported by René Cellier, director of the Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service. Emergency services swiftly mobilized, deploying 130 firefighters and 50 rescue vehicles while establishing a wide safety perimeter to manage the situation.

Cellier mentioned, “About fifty people are in a state of relative emergency, with injuries such as scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. However, it could have been much worse.” Local media indicated that one tram was reportedly reversing at the time of the accident, but the exact cause of the collision remains unclear.

Mayor Jeanne Barseghian, present at the scene, described the event as a “brutal collision” and expressed gratitude towards the emergency responders for their rapid assistance. She urged the public to refrain from obstructing rescue operations. “I am at the station with the injured and rescuers. Thank you for your mobilization,” she stated on social media.

Social media images depicted the severely damaged tram cars, one of which had derailed in the tunnel. Notably, Strasbourg was the first large French city to reinstate tram services in 1994 and had not faced a significant tram accident until this occurrence. Investigations are underway to determine the causes of the crash, with cleanup operations continuing throughout the evening. Residents are advised to avoid the vicinity of the train station during this time.

For further details, you can read more at The Guardian, CNN, and AP News.