Man trapped under Metro tram

Apr 25 2006 By Steve Johnson, Birmingham Mail

A MAN was fighting for his life today after being trapped under a Midland Metro tram.

Metro spokesman Phil Bateman said the accident happened just after 8.10am on the tram track at the Handsworth Booth Street stop on the border of Smethwick and Handsworth.

He said an Asian man was involved, with police, fire and ambulance services called to the scene.

Mr Bateman said: "The man was severely injured and taken to hospital. The service was delayed as the power supply was disrupted to allow the emergency services to carry out the rescue and deal with the injured man.

"Services from the Black Lake stop in West Bromwich to Birmingham and return were suspended during the incident," he added. West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Trevor Ford said that the man had suffered multiple injuries and was in a critical condition.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said that fire crews from Handsworth were sent to the scene, along with the major rescue unit from West Bromwich.

The spokesman said that the power supply to the Midland Metro system had to be isolated as lifting gear was brought in to free the man, who was trapped under the tram for almost an hour.

A police spokesman said the cause of the accident was still under investigation.

The scene was sealed off as British Transport Police conducted their inquiries into the accident.

Passengers on the tram at the time were believed to have witnessed what happened.

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