Berlin Tram Derails in Hohenschönhausen, Injuring 20 People
Berlin, June 3, 2026 – A tram accident in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen on Tuesday morning left 20 people injured, three of them seriously. The tram collided with an overhead line mast and derailed near the intersection of Arnimstraße and Wartenberger Straße. The driver of the tram suffered from shock. The injured were transported to various hospitals.
Accident Details: Tram Collides with Mast
The incident occurred around 9:40 AM. According to initial findings, the tram derailed on a curve and struck an overhead line mast. The impact caused the right side of the tram to be ripped open, and the rear section jumped off the tracks. Emergency services, including the fire department, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Eyewitness Reports Suggest Excessive Speed
While the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe) has not yet commented on the cause of the accident, an eyewitness, Rainer S., reported to rbb that he filmed the moments before the crash. His footage allegedly shows the tram traveling at an excessive speed. “It was twice as fast as most trams that pass here,” said Rainer S., comparing the speed to other trams. BVG spokesperson Stefan Volovinis stated that this is part of the ongoing investigation and declined to speculate on the cause.
BVG Expresses Condolences and Initiates Investigation
The CEO of BVG visited the accident site on Tuesday morning. “Under the impression of the images here on site, we are deeply affected. Our thoughts are with the injured and our passengers,” said Falk. He affirmed that the BVG would actively contribute to clarifying the cause of the accident.
Complex Recovery Operations Underway
Recovery efforts were still ongoing on Tuesday evening. A crane is being used to lift the damaged tram from the tracks to allow for an inspection of the track bed. To facilitate this, the tram must first be cut apart. Christian Utech from the Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) explained that the front part would be re-railed with the help of BVG personnel and then removed, while the heavily damaged rear section would be lifted onto a low-loader after being dismantled. These complex operations are expected to take considerable time.
Tram Services Disrupted, Replacement Buses Implemented
The tram lines M5 and M17 are currently interrupted between Gehrenseestraße and Falkenberg. A BVG spokesperson indicated that the route is likely to remain closed for two days. However, BVG spokesperson Stefan Volovinis expressed optimistic forecasts in the rbb24 Abendschau, suggesting that lines M5 and M17 could potentially resume service by Friday. Replacement bus services have been established to mitigate the disruption for commuters.
Source: rbb24 Berlin
