A tragic accident occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 10, 2025, at the Badischer Bahnhof in Basel, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to four others. The incident took place shortly before 16:15 on Schwarzwaldallee, as confirmed by the Basler Kantonspolizei.
According to reports, an electric articulated bus operated by Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) was departing from the Badischer Bahnhof stop, heading towards Kleinhüningen. For reasons that remain unclear, the bus made contact with a minibus that was waiting at a traffic light. At the intersection with Rosentalstrasse, the articulated bus struck a pedestrian, dragging the individual several meters before coming to a halt.
Tragically, the victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The specific details surrounding the injuries of the four other individuals remain uncertain, with investigations ongoing to determine whether they were also struck by the bus. The social service of the cantonal police provided assistance to seven witnesses who experienced the accident firsthand.
In the aftermath of the incident, Schwarzwaldallee was closed between Riehenstrasse and Maulbeerstrasse to facilitate investigations and cleanup operations. The traffic police have secured the electric articulated bus for technical examinations, as authorities seek to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Emergency services, including the sanitation department of Rettung Basel-Stadt, the professional fire department, and the Basel-Landschaft police, were deployed to the scene, along with the public prosecutor's office and the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Basel.
The police have appealed to witnesses of the accident to come forward with any information. Those who can assist in the investigation are encouraged to contact the traffic police at 061 208 06 00 or via email at [email protected].
This incident has raised significant concern within the community, with many questioning the safety measures in place for public transport vehicles. As investigations continue, the authorities are committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
The electric articulated bus, which was involved in the accident, will undergo thorough technical assessments to determine if any mechanical failures contributed to the collision. This examination is crucial in understanding how such a serious accident could occur.
As the investigation unfolds, the Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasized its commitment to safety. The company has stated that it will cooperate fully with the police and other authorities involved in the investigation.
Many residents in the area expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. A local resident shared, "It's heartbreaking to hear that someone has lost their life in such a way. We need to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone, especially pedestrians."
As the community mourns the loss, discussions surrounding traffic safety and public transport protocols have gained momentum, with calls for increased measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In light of this tragic event, local officials are expected to hold a meeting to discuss potential safety improvements at intersections and along bus routes. The aim is to enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers, ensuring that such a heartbreaking accident does not happen again.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance on the roads, particularly in busy urban areas where pedestrians and vehicles frequently interact. As the investigation continues, the community hopes for answers and a commitment to improving safety standards.
The Basler Kantonspolizei is expected to release more information as their investigation progresses, providing updates on the circumstances surrounding the accident and any findings from the technical examinations of the bus.
As the city of Basel grapples with this tragic event, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring the safety of all road users in the future.
