Tram derails in Berlin-Lichtenberg – 20 injured, three seriously

Rescue operation with around 60 personnel

The Berlin Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident with around 60 emergency personnel. Several ambulances and emergency doctors were deployed to ensure the care of the injured. The police also cordoned off the area extensively.

Of the 20 injured, 17 passengers suffered minor injuries. Three people were seriously injured, according to the emergency services. Some of the lightly injured passengers were also to be further treated in hospitals to rule out possible long-term consequences.

As reported by B.Z., the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) sent an emergency manager to the scene shortly after the accident. His task was to switch off the power supply to the overhead line and thus prevent further dangers for rescue workers and passengers.

Impact on tram traffic

After the accident, tram lines M5 and M17 were interrupted in the affected section. The BVG set up a replacement bus service to largely maintain the canceled connections between the stops in Lichtenberg.

According to the fire department, the recovery of the damaged tram is expected to take a considerable amount of time. The exact course of the accident is being investigated by the responsible authorities; a technical inspection of the tram and the overhead line is planned.