At least 30 people were injured after two trams collided at Strasbourg's central station on Saturday, authorities said.
Videos and photos posted on social media showed trams containing dozens of people inside. One of the videos shows smoke rising and chaotic scenes as the alarm sounds.
Local media reported that the accident occurred after a tram changed its course and collided with a stopped tram. Other reports said that one of the trams was moving backwards at the time.
A governorate spokesman said that an investigation had been opened into the cause of the accident and that no deaths had been confirmed.
Strasbourg Mayor Jean Parseghian told reporters at the scene that a collision occurred between a tram, but the cause is unknown.
According to BFM, Parseghian called on people to wait for the results of the investigation.
An eyewitness, Johan, told Agence France-Presse that he saw one of the trams moving quickly, adding: “We heard a big crash, a big explosion.”
Another eyewitness told BFM TV that the tram doors exploded on impact.
The outlet reported that a large security perimeter had been established in front of the station.
The Lower Rhine Fire and Rescue Service posted on the X website urging people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to reach the area.
Some of the non-fatal injuries reported were “mostly whiplash,” but also included scalp lacerations, collarbone fractures and knee sprains, said Service Director Rene Siler.
“There are also about 100 people who do not have specific infections but are being examined by doctors,” said Siler.
He added that about 50 vehicles and 130 firefighters were sent to the scene, and that the situation “could have been more dangerous.”
Emmanuel Ono, director of CTS – responsible for the public transport department in Strasbourg – said that the two tram drivers “did not suffer physical injuries, but they are very shocked.”
