A rear-end collision between two trams in Mortsel, near Antwerp, has left two people seriously injured and seven with minor injuries, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The accident occurred on the Liersesteenweg shortly before midday, disrupting tram services in the area and prompting an emergency response.
Emergency services arrived at the scene within minutes, treating the injured at the roadside before transporting them to local hospitals. Two individuals were rushed to hospital in critical condition, while seven others sustained light injuries and were treated on site. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation, but authorities have ruled out any immediate suspicion of foul play.
The impact caused significant damage to both trams, with one vehicle reportedly derailed and blocking adjacent tracks. Tram services on the Liersesteenweg were suspended as a result, forcing passengers to seek alternative routes. De Lijn, the Flemish public transport operator, has apologised for the disruption and advised travellers to allow extra time for their journeys.
Local residents described hearing a loud crash and seeing smoke rising from the damaged trams. “I was waiting at the stop when I heard a screeching noise,” said a bystander. “Within seconds, both trams had collided and one was leaning awkwardly on the tracks.”
The collision comes amid heightened scrutiny of public transport safety across Europe following a series of high-profile incidents. In Milan, tram drivers were suspended this week after a leaked WhatsApp group chat revealed sexist remarks about female passengers . Meanwhile, in Amsterdam, a cyclist was hospitalised after being struck by a tram in the city’s west .
Authorities in Antwerp have launched a full review of the Mortsel incident, including an assessment of signalling systems and driver protocols. “Safety remains our top priority,” said a spokesperson for De Lijn. “We are cooperating fully with investigators to determine what went wrong.”
Tram services are expected to resume on the Liersesteenweg later today, though delays may persist into the evening peak. Passengers are advised to check real-time updates on the De Lijn app or website.
2 further sources not geolocated