Amsterdam tram carries dead passenger back to base

Amsterdam’s public transport company GVB said on Monday it is investigating a decision by a tram driver not to stop his vehicle even though someone had died on board.

The Telegraaf reported on Monday that the driver of a number 5 tram ignored passenger reports that someone had died on the tram and continued for at least 20 minutes until the tram reached its destination in Amstelveen.

One passenger who had wanted to sit next to the dead man told the Telegraaf he was leaning motionless against the window with his eyes open.

The victim is a 56-year-old man from Amstelveen who apparently died of natural causes. The incident happened on Friday and the driver has been suspended pending the result of the investigation.

The Telegraaf said the emergency services had been alerted by other passengers and were waiting when the tram reached the terminus. However, it was too late to help the man, who was already dead.