Gelsenkirchen tram collision injures dozens, three in critical condition

Two trams collided on the Kurt‑Schumacher‑Straße near the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen on 6 August. A training tram stopped or slowed unexpectedly, and a passenger‑filled tram struck it from behind. Police initially reported about 25 injured; later updates raised the count to 42, including twelve seriously hurt and three whose lives were in danger, later stabilised. Emergency crews rescued the damaged vehicles, cleared the line and rerouted traffic, while replacement buses served the route. The cause of the stoppage is still under investigation, and a formal inquiry has been opened.

The incident prompted a temporary closure of the main thoroughfare, affecting both tram and road traffic. Local officials, including mayor Andrea Henze, visited the scene to express sympathy to victims and families.