Learner driver lets runaway tram run riot in Kazakhstan

A trainee driver accidentally caused mayhem in Kazakhstan after she let a tram break free, smashing up 17 cars and injuring five people.

The tram was travelling through the centre of Kazakh capital Almaty on Wednesday when a driver noticed a problem with the engine and got off to make an inspection, Tengrinnews.kz reports.

Realising the tram had begun to move on its own the other driver on board, a trainee, jumped out and could only watch as the tram sped off.

The more experienced driver chased the tram on foot but could not catch up, witnesses said.

The runaway vehicle crashed into 17 cars and injured five, including a woman who was hit by a car that had crashed into the tram.

She is in intensive care, while another man is recovering from concussion.

The Kazakh Department of Interior Affairs has launched an investigation.