Milan, the financial center of Italy, witnessed a tragic tram derailment incident on Friday (February 27), with the tram crashing into a building, resulting in at least one death and 39 people injured, some in critical condition. The cause of the accident remains unknown.
The event took place around 4 p.m. local time on Friday. The crowded tram was traveling on Line 9 when it suddenly derailed and collided with a building.
Local emergency rescue departments reported the presence of 13 ambulances on the scene.
The victim is believed to be a pedestrian struck by the tram, while most of the injured are passengers. Multiple ambulances were seen at the scene, with reports of individuals trapped in the wreckage.
Passengers described hearing a strange noise from the bottom of the tram before it derailed, picked up speed, and crashed into the side of a building.
The accident occurred during Milan Fashion Week, with the city filled with international tourists, celebrities, and journalists.
According to Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera, the three-carriage tram belonged to a new type of bidirectional tram with driver compartments at both ends, which had been put into service in the city just weeks ago.
La Repubblica reported that after derailing, the tram first hit a traffic signal and then shattered the windows of a restaurant. A delivery worker waiting at the traffic signal and a young person on the sidewalk fortunately escaped unharmed.
The tram was supposed to proceed straight along Viale Vittorio Veneto with considerable speed. However, video footage aired by Sky TG24 showed the tram suddenly changing direction at a switch point meant for another tram line, deviating from its intended route.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and other municipal officials have arrived at the accident site.
Milan’s public transport company ATM expressed deep shock over the accident and extended condolences to the victims and their families.
In a statement, the company mentioned collaborating with prosecutors to “determine the causes and circumstances of the accident.”
(This article referenced reports from the BBC and Associated Press)