Rotterdam Tram Crash Injures 15 on Erasmus Bridge

ROTTERDAM_At least 15 people were injured, including one seriously, after two trams collided on Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge on Wednesday, prompting authorities to shut the landmark crossing and launch an investigation into the cause of the crash.

The collision occurred on the Erasmus Bridge, which spans the Maas River and serves as one of the Dutch port city’s principal transport links. Emergency services responded in large numbers, evacuating passengers from the damaged trams using stretchers and wheelchairs while police closed the bridge to traffic in both directions.

Webcam footage showed one tram striking the rear of another on the bridge, scattering debris across the roadway and causing substantial damage to both vehicles. Images from the scene showed twisted metal, shattered windows and debris spread across the bridge.

An AFP reporter at the scene observed extensive structural damage to both trams, with emergency crews working around the wreckage as authorities secured the area.

Rotterdam authorities initially reported that 18 people had been injured in the collision. The figure was later revised to 15, according to Dutch public broadcaster NOS. Officials said one person sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The Erasmus Bridge, one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable landmarks, is a vital transport corridor linking different parts of the city across the Maas River. The closure disrupted traffic and public transport services as emergency operations continued.

RET, the Rotterdam public transport company that operates the city’s tram network, said it was shocked by images of the collision and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.

“We have seen the footage and are deeply shocked,” the company said in a statement.

RET said it would work alongside emergency services to establish how the collision occurred, but did not provide further details on the possible cause or whether either tram driver had been injured.

Authorities did not immediately release information on the identities of those injured or indicate how long the bridge would remain closed while investigators examined the crash site.

Emergency personnel remained at the scene following the collision, assisting passengers and assessing the damaged trams as investigators began gathering evidence.

No further details on the circumstances leading to the collision were immediately available.