Two trams collide on famous Rotterdam bridge: 15 injured, transport company shocked by footage

A serious tram collision on Rotterdam's iconic Erasmus Bridge left 15 people injured, with one person sustaining severe injuries. The incident occurred around 11:10 AM on Wednesday, causing the bridge to be closed to traffic and prompting a large emergency response.

Video footage circulating on social media shows one tram approaching a stationary tram at high speed before colliding with its rear. The impact caused one of the trams to derail, scattering debris across the roadway. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, were dispatched to the scene. While initial reports indicated 18 injuries and two severe cases, authorities later revised the figures to 15 injured, including one critically.

“

Our thoughts are with the victims and the passengers who were in the trams.

The cause of the accident remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched. The Rotterdam transport company, RET, expressed its deep shock over the incident. "Our thoughts are with the victims and the passengers who were in the trams," the company stated. RET emphasized its focus on supporting the injured, employees, and passengers, and committed to determining the cause of the collision.

The Erasmus Bridge, a prominent landmark in Rotterdam, was closed for an extended period following the crash, significantly impacting city transportation. The incident has raised concerns about tram safety within the city, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the operational procedures and potential contributing factors.

“

We are focusing all our attention on the injured, employees, and passengers.