Numerous injuries in collision of two trams in Gelsenkirchen

The accident occurred in downtown Gelsenkirchen near the Veltins-Arena, the home stadium of Bundesliga football club FC Schalke 04. The proximity to traffic hubs and the stadium area meant that, in addition to ambulances, regular buses were also requested for the evacuation and transport of passengers.

Impact on local public transport

Bogestra, which operates local public transport in Gelsenkirchen, responded with detours and service disruptions on the routes around the accident site. Passengers were asked to avoid the area widely. Commuters had to expect significant delays in the tram and bus network.

The criminal police took over the initial interviews of witnesses and operating personnel that same afternoon. Technical records from the vehicles, such as data from the on-board systems manufactured by Bosch, are also to be secured according to regional sources in order to reconstruct the course of events.

Investigations and appeal to witnesses

A spokesperson for the city of Gelsenkirchen expressed dismay about the incident and announced that the administration would actively support the investigation. Just shortly before, the city had used its channels to draw attention to existing traffic disruptions around the Veltins-Arena related to the stadium's normal match operations.

Police asked any additional potential witnesses to contact them with information regarding the cause of the accident. The public was also urged not to visit the accident site on their own, in order not to hinder rescue operations and not to disturb any evidence.

How long the closures would last remained unclear in the evening. The cleanup work and the recovery of the two damaged trams were expected to continue throughout the night, according to Bogestra, meaning restrictions on local public transport were to be expected the following day.