A tram derailment in Berlin has left at least 20 people injured. Emergency services were called to the Neu-Hohenschoenhausen neighbourhood of north-eastern Berlin earlier this morning. The tram on the M17 line hit a power pole and was torn open at around 9:30 am, according to local media reports.
BVG CEO Speaks Out
The CEO of the Berlin public transport company (BVG) spoke from the scene of the crash shortly after 11 am. Transport boss Henrik Falk told reporters: "We are deeply saddened by the images we have seen here. Our thoughts are with the injured and our passengers." He continued: "The cause of the accident still needs to be clarified. Whether technical or human error or a medical emergency triggered the accident, we cannot say at the moment."
Emergency Response
A fire department spokesperson said an emergency call was received at 9:29 am. "A tram was traveling on Wartenberger Strasse near Arnimstrasse when a section of the train apparently derailed," they explained. "Fortunately, none of the train parts toppled over." A section of the train collided with a power pole and was torn open, according to German news website bz-berlin.de. The fire department was on scene with 51 personnel.
Injuries and Aftermath
According to a fire department spokesperson, three passengers sustained serious injuries and 17 suffered minor injuries. Twelve people were taken to hospitals. Transport officials sent emergency workers to the scene to shut off power to the tram while replacement buses have been set up after lines M5 and M17 were taken out of action following the crash.
