Twenty individuals sustained injuries in a tram accident in Berlin that caused cars to derail, leading to a dozen people being swiftly taken to the hospital with a total of 20 casualties. The incident occurred in the Neu-Hohenschönhausen neighborhood in the northeastern part of Berlin, where over 50 firefighters responded to the derailment scene.
Reports from local media indicated that the tram on the M17 line collided with a power pole and suffered significant damage around 9:30 am. The CEO of the Berlin public transport company (BVG) addressed the crash scene around 11 am, expressing deep sorrow over the distressing scene and extending thoughts to the injured and passengers.
Transport chief Henrik Falk stated that the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, mentioning possibilities of technical failure, human error, or a medical emergency as triggers for the incident. The fire department received an emergency call at 9:29 am reporting the derailment on Wartenberger Straße near Arnimstraße, with no parts of the tram toppling over, fortunately.
According to a fire department spokesperson, a segment of the tram collided with a power pole, resulting in damage and injuries. Three passengers sustained severe injuries, while 17 others suffered minor injuries, with a total of 12 individuals transported to hospitals for treatment.
Emergency crews were dispatched to deactivate the tram’s power supply, and alternative bus services were arranged as tram lines M5 and M17 were suspended following the accident.
