Collision in Jena-Nord: Van Collides with Tram

Jena. A moment of inattention led to a traffic accident in the north of Jena on Thursday afternoon, which fortunately ended without serious injury. On one of the city’s main traffic arteries, a small van and public transport came dangerously close.

The Course of the Accident on Naumburger Straße

As the Landespolizeiinspektion Jena announced on Friday morning, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon. A 45-year-old driver was traveling in his van on Naumburger Straße in the outbound direction. This route is known for its high traffic volume, as it serves as an important connecting axis between the city center, the Jena-Nord residential area, and the northern arterial roads towards the B88.

During his journey, the man entered the right-of-way area of the parallel tram with his vehicle. According to the officers’ initial findings, the driver had simply overlooked the approaching tram. An unavoidable collision occurred between the van and the rail vehicle.

Luck in Misfortune: No Personal Injuries

Collisions between motor vehicles and trams often result in severe consequences, as trams have a significantly longer braking distance than cars due to their enormous weight and steel-on-steel friction, and they cannot swerve. In this case, however, everyone involved had great guardian angels: according to police reports, no one was injured in the collision – neither the van driver nor the tram driver or passengers.

The damage was limited to property damage to both vehicles. The exact amount of damage could not yet be quantified at the time the accident was recorded and is now the subject of further investigation.

Traffic Safety in the Vicinity of Rails

The incident on Naumburger Straße once again brings the special dangers of mixed road and rail traffic into focus. Especially in Jena, where tram lines often run directly next to or on the lanes, increased attention is required. A classic scenario for such accidents is turning left across the tracks or U-turning without intensive use of the rearview mirror and shoulder check.

In this context, the police regularly urge special caution. Trams almost always have priority in city traffic. “Cutting in” to the path of the tram, assuming one is still fast enough, is one of the most common accident patterns. The fact that this time it only resulted in property damage is not something to be taken for granted.

Impact on Commuter Traffic

Although no persons were harmed, such accidents almost inevitably lead to short-term disruptions in scheduled services and traffic jams on the road until the accident recording is completed and the vehicles, if no longer roadworthy, are recovered. The police have recorded the course of the accident and initiated investigations for the exact settlement of damages.

Drive carefully and pay special attention to rail traffic when changing lanes.

Source:

Polizei-News Jena, 20.02.26: Straßenbahn übersehen

Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.

Read original article in German