Dozens injured in tram collision in Strasbourg

In a rare incident in France, two trams collided in the eastern city of Strasbourg, resulting in 68 injuries. The accident occurred on January 12, 2025, shortly before 4 PM, near the main train station. One tram, which had been stationary at an underground stop, was violently struck by another tram that had begun to move backward for reasons yet to be determined. The situation escalated as the moving tram rolled down a slope and collided with the stationary one, leading to chaotic scenes documented in video footage shared online. Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying 130 firefighters and around 50 rescue vehicles to the scene. Fortunately, none of the injuries were critical, though approximately 50 individuals suffered non-fatal injuries, including scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains. About 100 others were assessed for shock or stress but were uninjured. Officials noted that the city's tram system had not experienced such a significant accident since its reinstatement in 1994. Strasbourg's Mayor Jeanne Barseghian described the incident as a brutal collision and thanked emergency responders for their efforts. An investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the accident and assess any potential criminal liability, with prosecutors ruling out the possibility of intentional wrongdoing. The collision has raised concerns about tram safety and has temporarily halted tram traffic in the area.