Tram carrying passengers derails after collision in East Melbourne

Two trams have collided head-on at a busy intersection in East Melbourne after one derailed, causing it to veer into the path of the other.

Two trams have collided head-on at a busy intersection in East Melbourne after one of the trams derailed, before veering into the path of the other.

The incident occurred just before 10am Wednesday in the middle of the intersection at Victoria and Nicholson streets.

Emergency crews were forced to close Nicholson St to traffic in both directions, causing major disruptions to tram lines 35, 86, 96 and 30.

The front of both trams sustained significant damage with glass from both front windscreens scattered across the road.

Travellers are being told to exit the tram behind the incident and walk two tram stops down to resume their journey.

“It is a bit inconvenient but I hope everyone is okay,” said tram passenger Michelle Stevens.

Ms Stevens was not on the trams that collided but is travelling through the areas.

Both trams sustained extensive damage to their front windows. Picture: supplied

“I have never seen shattered front windscreens on a tram so that is a first.”

Yarra Trams officers remained on scene almost 1.5hours after the incident attempting to return the trams to its tracks to help clear the road.

Department of Transport’s Andrew crook told 3AW it could be several hours before the intersection was cleared.

A Victoria Ambulance spokesman said paramedics were on scene assessing multiple people, who appeared to be in a stable condition at this stage.

By Midday, Yarra Trams crews had slowly removed one tram from the scene, leaving behind a mess of shattered glass underneath.

Workers are collecting debris in buckets while a street sweeper sucks up the glass.

One lane of traffic has since re-opened to motorists along Nicholson St.

The east bound lanes of Victoria Pde remained open to traffic while the west bound lanes remain blocked by the second tram.