Two trams collided at a major station in Strasbourg, France today (Saturday), leaving multiple passengers trapped and dozens injured in what witnesses described as a scene of chaos and panic.
Emergency crews rushed to Strasbourg station where they found passengers trapped between and inside the mangled trams. Dramatic footage shared on social media showed bystanders and first responders working frantically to help victims before specialized rescue teams arrived with cutting equipment.
"It's a race against time," said one rescue worker at the scene, as emergency services deployed heavy machinery to access sections of the damaged trams where passengers remained trapped.
While the exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, early reports point to a possible technical malfunction in the signaling system that may have erroneously directed both trams onto the same track. Investigators are currently examining the wreckage and signal infrastructure.
The accident has raised serious concerns about public transport safety in the eastern French city, with residents questioning how such a collision could occur on what should be a highly regulated tram network. Local authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the incident.
The collision occurred at one of Strasbourg's busiest transit hubs, forcing the closure of several tram lines and causing significant disruption to the city's public transportation network. Officials have not yet released official numbers on injuries but confirmed that multiple people have been transported to local hospitals.
"We heard a massive crash and then screaming," said Marie Laurent, who was waiting on the platform when the accident occurred. "Everyone rushed to help. People were using their phones as flashlights to try to see inside the trams."
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the collision occurred, with bystanders immediately rushing to assist those trapped inside. Social media videos show the immediate aftermath of the crash, with people working together to help passengers before professional rescue teams arrived.
Preliminary investigations are focusing on potential signal failures, though authorities stress it's too early to draw definitive conclusions. "We're examining all possible causes," a transportation authority spokesperson said. "Our immediate priority is the safe extraction of any remaining trapped passengers."
City officials have announced they will hold a press conference later today to provide updates on the rescue operation and preliminary findings of the investigation. The incident marks one of the most serious public transport accidents in Strasbourg's recent history.
Updates on service disruptions and alternative transport routes are being provided through the city's official channels.
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