Two trams collided on Saturday afternoon in the tunnel leading to the central station in Strasbourg, France. According to preliminary reports, a tram that was stopped in the tunnel reversed at high speed, hitting another tram that was stopped in the station.
The accident left 68 people injured, according to the latest figures provided by the authorities. The driver of the reversing tram was physically unhurt but was left in shock and hospitalised. The driver of the other tram was also unhurt.
A judicial investigation has been opened to determine possible responsibilities, initially ruling out an intentional act. Experts are analysing the black boxes of the trams to determine whether the brakes worked properly.
It has been revealed that the tram that reversed, an Alstom Citadis 403 manufactured between 2005 and 2007, did not have a system to prevent reversing, although it complied with all current regulations. The tram service remains disrupted on part of the route while investigations continue, with service disruption expected to last until the end of the week.
