A tram caught fire in the city center of Kent after lightning struck the top of the tram while it was stopped at the Valilik stop on the Gar-Karataş line. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene following a report of the incident. Passengers were evacuated from the tram and the fire was extinguished by the intervention of the fire brigade.
The municipality issued a statement regarding the incident, explaining that lightning strikes caused two separate incidents on the city’s tram line and the Gaziray line. As a result, one tram was rendered unusable, and there was a brief disruption on the Göllüce-Taşlıca line. At the moment, the Gaziray line is fully operational. However, the tram operating between Karataş and Gar can only run up to Gazi Muhtar, with bus transfers taking passengers from there to the Gar stop.
The incident caused disruptions in the city’s public transportation system, with passengers facing delays and changes to their usual routes. The fire on the tram was quickly contained by the fire brigade, and efforts were made to resume normal operations on the affected tram lines. The safety of passengers and the timely resolution of the situation were the main priorities for authorities and transportation officials.
The lightning strike and resulting fire serve as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges faced by public transportation systems during severe weather conditions. Municipalities and transportation providers must have contingency plans in place to address emergencies and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The incident also highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such accidents and minimize disruptions to public transportation services.
Overall, the incident had a significant impact on the city’s transportation infrastructure and highlighted the need for effective response and coordination in emergency situations. The swift action of the fire brigade helped prevent further damage and ensured the safety of passengers. Authorities will continue to work on restoring normal operations on the affected tram lines and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers are advised to stay informed about potential service changes and to follow instructions from transportation officials during such emergencies.