On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a serious traffic accident occurred in Munich when a BMW X5 crashed into a tram stop at the corner of Arnulfstraße and Donnersbergerstraße, injuring multiple people. The incident took place around noon, and it quickly drew a large response from emergency services.
According to the Munich fire department, a total of seven people were injured in the crash, three of whom sustained serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals. The fire department reported that the injured included four individuals with minor injuries. The driver of the BMW was unharmed but was reportedly in shock and receiving assistance from a crisis intervention team.
The fire department confirmed that the rescue operation was extensive, with a significant number of emergency responders on the scene. A spokesperson for the Munich police stated, “It looks like an accident,” emphasizing that there were no indications of foul play or a terrorist motive surrounding the incident. “As of now, there are no other known circumstances,” the police spokeswoman added.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one person recalling, “It crashed, very terribly.” This eyewitness reported that the car had approached the stop at high speed, resulting in the waiting area being completely shattered. The impact was severe enough to cause significant damage and injuries.
In the aftermath of the crash, authorities cordoned off the area surrounding the tram stop, advising citizens to avoid the vicinity of Donnersbergerbrücke. The road heading into the city was completely blocked, and the closure was expected to last until at least 3:00 PM. The Munich transport authority (MVG) announced that tram lines 16 and 17 would be diverted due to the incident, affecting several stops along the route.
As of 1:20 PM, the fire department reported that the rescue operations had concluded, but they remained on site to assist the police in managing the situation. The MVG warned of potential delays and cancellations affecting the tram services, which were anticipated to persist until approximately 4:00 PM.
This unfortunate incident follows another serious event in Stuttgart just days before, where a man drove a heavy SUV into a crowd at a bus stop, injuring eight people and resulting in one fatality. The recurrence of such accidents raises concerns about pedestrian safety at public transport stops.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Munich crash, collecting evidence and statements from witnesses to determine the exact cause of the accident. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured and the impact on local transport services.
The Munich police are urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward as they work to gather a complete picture of the events that led to this alarming crash. Meanwhile, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of the incident, reflecting on the need for enhanced safety measures at public transport stops.
As the situation develops, the local authorities will provide updates to ensure that the public remains informed about traffic conditions and any further safety recommendations. The city is committed to addressing the concerns of residents and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.