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Tragedy Strikes Milan: Tram Derailment Claims Two Lives, Injures Dozens
MILAN, Italy – A tram derailment in the heart of Milan on Friday tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left over two dozen injured, according to local officials. The incident occurred as the bustling Italian business capital is currently hosting its seasonal fashion shows and preparing for the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.
The No. 9 tram, a vital artery through Milan’s financial district, was traveling at a high speed along the central Vittorio Veneto avenue when it unexpectedly veered onto a switch track used by another tram line, deviating from its intended straight course. Broadcast video of the crash by Sky TG24 shows the tram nearly overturning as it navigated the curve before violently colliding with a nearby building.
Milan Mayor Beppe Sala indicated that human error likely played a role in the accident. He stated that the driver, a seasoned employee who had only been on duty for an hour, apparently failed to switch the tracks to maintain the tram’s straight trajectory.
Mayor Sala also noted that the driver had bypassed a previous stop before the crash. The driver is currently receiving treatment for injuries and will be questioned from the hospital.
Mayor Sala confirmed that the two fatalities included one tram passenger and one individual on the street. He assured the public that none of the other injured parties are in life-threatening condition.
Emergency services, including numerous ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, swiftly responded to the scene. Crews were observed escorting passengers away from the site, providing them with thermal blankets.
ATM, Milan’s public transport company, has announced its full cooperation with prosecutors to thoroughly investigate the incident and determine its precise cause and dynamics.