Tram derails, crashes into Apple store in Oslo – DW – 29/10/2024

A tram went off the tracks in a busy commercial area of ​​Olso on Tuesday and crashed into a telephone and computer store, Norwegian police said.

Although the store suffered extensive damage, no fatalities were reported. The tram driver and three other people were only slightly injured.

What we know about the accident

The tram would have jumped over the rails and continued straight when it should have turned left.

The front section crashed deeply into an electronics store selling Apple products. At least one pedestrian had to jump out of the way when the wayward tram made its unexpected detour.

“Three people on board the tram were injured and another person outside” also suffered injuries, the chief of police at the scene, Anders Ronning, told the AFP news agency.

According to Ronning, none of the injuries are serious.

Police initially said there were at least 20 people on board the tram, although some passengers had already left when emergency services arrived.

The tram rammed deep into the store, surrounded by glass and debris, and the damaged building, which also houses offices, was evacuated.

Officials said the tram would not be removed until experts determine the stability of the building’s load-bearing walls.

Excessive speed is a possible cause

A witness told the newspaper Verdens Gang that the scene was surreal.

“If everyone comes out of this unscathed, it means someone is watching over us, because it was a powerful crash, to say the least,” Andre Norheim told the newspaper.

Police said they were waiting for the arrival of the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority to help determine the cause.

The driver was formally declared a suspect by police amid speculation that the accident was caused by excessive speed.

According to Sporveien, Oslo’s tram and metro company, the city’s tram system carries around 50 million passengers per year.

rc/dj (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)