Budapest tram and car collision caused major service disruptions
A collision between a car and a 4–6 tram caused significant disruption on Budapest’s busy Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút) on Friday afternoon. The accident occurred at the intersection of József Boulevard and Baross Street, in the city’s 8th district, prompting an immediate response from firefighters, transport authorities and emergency services.
Firefighters rescue trapped driver
According to the National Directorate for Disaster Management, the impact left the car’s driver trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighters from the capital were forced to use hydraulic cutting tools to free the injured person. Images sent to Telex by a witness showed both the car and tram stopped across the tracks as rescue teams worked at the scene.
Tram 4–6 services suspended between Corvin Quarter and Blaha Lujza Square
The collision blocked both tram tracks, bringing one of Budapest’s busiest public transport lines to a halt. BKK, the city’s transport operator, initially suspended services between Corvin Quarter and Blaha Lujza Square, deploying replacement buses to bridge the gap. Passengers were also advised to use Metro lines M2 and M3 as alternative routes.
Several bus and trolleybus lines diverted
The disruption also affected other public transport services passing through the area. BKK announced diversions for the following routes:
- Bus 9 and trolleybus 72: did not serve stops between Kálvária tér and Kálvin tér M in one direction; certain stops were also skipped towards Kőbánya alsó vasútállomás and Orczy Square.
- Trolleybus 83: diverted in both directions, skipping stops between Kálvária tér and Ráday utca towards Fővám tér M, and avoiding Szentkirályi utca towards Népliget M.
These temporary changes added further delays for commuters travelling in and around Budapest’s inner districts.
Tram traffic fully restored
BKK later confirmed that the blockage had been cleared and that both the 4 and 6 trams were once again running along their full routes. Normal service resumed shortly after the damaged vehicles were removed and the tracks were inspected.
Authorities have not yet released further details on the condition of the car’s driver or the circumstances of the collision.