Twenty individuals sustained injuries in a tram collision in Berlin that resulted in cars derailing. Twelve of the injured were promptly taken to hospitals. The incident took place in the Neu-Hohenschönhausen neighborhood in northeastern Berlin, prompting over 50 firefighters to respond to the scene.
Reports indicate that the tram on the M17 line struck a power pole, leading to its rupture around 9:30 am. The CEO of the Berlin public transport company (BVG) addressed the crash site shortly after 11 am, expressing deep concern for the affected individuals.
Transport head Henrik Falk conveyed, “Our hearts go out to the injured and our passengers as we observe the distressing scenes here.” Falk also highlighted the need to ascertain the cause of the accident, noting that it could be due to technical issues, human error, or a medical emergency.
According to a fire department spokesperson, emergency services were alerted at 9:29 am about the tram mishap on Wartenberger Straße near Arnimstraße. Fortunately, there was no overturning of any train components despite a segment of the tram colliding with a power pole and sustaining damage.
German news website bz-berlin.de reported that a part of the tram hit a power pole, causing it to open up. The fire department deployed 51 personnel to the scene, where three passengers suffered severe injuries, and 17 others sustained minor injuries. Subsequently, twelve individuals were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Emergency crews were dispatched to cut off the tram’s power supply, while alternative bus services were arranged as tram lines M5 and M17 were temporarily suspended after the accident.