Two Trams Collide on Rotterdam’s Erasmus Bridge, Injuring 15

Basic Incident Information

• Date of incident: Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

• Time of incident: Around 11:10 a.m.

• Location: Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam, Netherlands.

• Incident type: Tram rear-end collision with derailment.

Incident Description

According to regional authorities, one tram stopped on the bridge and a second tram approached from behind and struck it, apparently without braking. The impact derailed one of the trams and damaged two cars as well.

The safety region initially reported 18 injuries and two serious injuries, but later revised the figures to 15 injured and one seriously injured. The seriously injured passenger had to be freed before being taken to hospital.

Immediate Response

• The overhead power lines were switched off and the bridge was closed to traffic.

• Tram services on lines 3 and 5 were halted.

• Firefighters, paramedics, and police attended the scene, with an air ambulance also deployed.

Safety Focus

This incident highlights the importance of tram braking systems, speed control, and safe spacing on busy bridge approaches. It also shows why rapid line isolation and coordinated emergency response are critical when derailment occurs in a dense urban transport corridor