Up to 50 people injured as two trams collide at Strasbourg station as smoke fills tunnel & passengers scream in terror
AT LEAST 50 people have been injured after two trams collided at a station in France.
Harrowing footage shows the aftermath of the smash with onlookers breaking down the doors to pull terrified passengers to safety.
The horror crash at Strasbourg-Ville station is thought to have been caused when one of the trams accidentally switched tracks before crashing into a second tram that was parked up at the station.
Mayor Jeanne Barseghian visited the crash scene and described the incident as a "brutal collision".
In the chaotic video people can be heard screaming as smoke fills the underground tunnel station shortly after the accident.
Heroic bystanders can be seen trying to rescue those trapped inside the tram wreckage.
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Both of the trams involved in the collision were left wrecked with their front and rear ends smashed up.
Bas-Rhin region's Fire and Rescue Service confirmed at least 50 passengers were injured in the crash.
Around 100 people were on the two trams at the time.
One of the trams is reported to have derailed after the accident with an investigation underway into the cause of the collision.
More than 130 firefighters were deployed to the station alongside 50 rescue vehicles as a safety perimeter was ordered.
Cops confirmed that tram traffic through the main station has been interrupted.
Bas-Rhin Fire and Rescue Service said: "Tram accident at the Gare Centrale stop at Strasbourg. Numerous resources were mobilised.
"Avoid the areas of Place des Halles, Gare, Boulevard du Président Wilson and facilitate access for emergency services."
Pierre Jakubowicz, a councillor in Strasbourg, posted: “Majo tram collision at Strasbourg station.
"Support and recognition for the emergency services mobilised and all my thoughts for the injured.”
Strasbourg-ville is the main railway station in the city of Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin, France.
It is the first time the city has experienced a significant accident on the public transport since they reinstated trams in 1994.