Amsterdam, Netherlands— A pedestrian was left critically injured after being struck by a tram in central Amsterdam on October 22, 2026.
The collision happened at 8:22 a.m. on a busy intersection near Damrak, where trams, bikes and tourists mix. The tram was turning onto a straight section when a man in his 40s stepped onto the tracks. Witnesses said he looked at his phone and did not hear the bell. The tram could not stop in time.
The tram driver hit emergency brakes. The front of the tram struck the man and dragged him several meters. People screamed. Shopkeepers ran out. The tram stopped with the pedestrian trapped partly under the front bogie.
GVB staff and bystanders called emergency services immediately. Police, ambulance and fire teams arrived within five minutes. They lifted the tram with air cushions to free the victim. He was conscious but bleeding heavily from head and leg injuries.
“He was under the tram, not moving much. The driver was in shock, shaking. We told people to step back and not film,” said a kiosk owner who saw the impact. “Trams here go fast. People forget how heavy they are.”
Paramedics stabilized the man on the tracks and rushed him to Amsterdam UMC with critical injuries. Doctors said he has multiple fractures and severe head trauma and is in intensive care. The tram driver was taken off duty and offered trauma support, standard procedure.
Tram lines 4, 14 and 24 were suspended for almost an hour. Crowds built up at stops. City enforcement officers redirected pedestrians and cyclists. The intersection was sealed with tape while forensic teams measured braking distance and checked signal timing.
Police said initial findings point to pedestrian error, but they are reviewing CCTV from the tram and nearby shops. The tram’s speed recorder and bell usage log have been secured. No mechanical fault is suspected so far.
The investigation remains open. GVB said it is cooperating and will review safety at that crossing. The victim has not been named.
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