Five injured in Riga tram-truck collision; witnesses describe gas smell and panic

On Monday shortly after 1 p.m., a truck and tram No. 1 collided at the intersection of Slokas and Dammes streets in Riga. The accident disrupted both tram and car traffic for approximately three hours.

According to witnesses, the tram was heading toward the city center while the truck was moving in the opposite direction. The truck driver, without checking that the maneuver was safe, turned right and started crossing the tram tracks when the tram struck the side of the vehicle. Passenger Kevin said he felt two impacts and saw glass flying everywhere. After the crash, the tram car became crowded as glass shards covered the interior and passengers' belongings. People tried to get out quickly, but the driver could not open the doors. A witness named Paula said the power line was torn down and there was a smell of gas; elderly passengers felt ill due to the stress.

Three ambulance crews arrived at the scene and provided assistance to five people. Two injured individuals were taken to hospitals in moderate condition, including the truck driver, who was dazed and unable to get out of the vehicle on his own. Kevin noted that medics had to help the driver out, as his face was covered with blood and glass shards.

Local residents say this is not the first collision at this intersection, prompting calls to install traffic lights at the recently rebuilt road section, at least where the tram tracks cross. However, Riga City Council's Traffic Infrastructure Department said no traffic lights are currently planned for that intersection.