A devastating tram derailment in Milan on Friday resulted in two fatalities and thirty-eight injuries after the vehicle crashed into a building, sending shockwaves through the city. The incident occurred as the tram derailed, with one victim struck by the tram during the derailment and the other a passenger onboard, according to Milan's mayor, Giuseppe Sala, who addressed reporters at the scene.
Emergency Response and Witness Accounts
Firefighters quickly arrived, wrapping shocked passengers in emergency blankets, while ambulances transported the more seriously injured to nearby hospitals. Witnesses described a chaotic and horrific scene, with Valerio Gaglione telling AFP that a man was trapped under the tram with his arm pinned, and many injured people were inside the vehicle. He recounted seeing an elderly man completely covered in blood, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Investigation Points to Driver Error
Mayor Sala indicated that the accident does not appear to be due to a technical issue but rather "was connected to the driver." Initial media reports suggest the driver failed to activate a track switch and had reportedly run through the last stop on the line prior to the derailment. Prosecutor Marcello Viola, leading the investigation, described the tram's impact on the building as "devastating," underscoring the force of the collision.
Victims and City Context
The two victims were identified as an Italian man in his 60s and an immigrant residing in Milan. This tragedy strikes as Milan, having recently hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics and currently staging Milan Fashion Week, prepares to host the Paralympics, casting a shadow over the city's vibrant events. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "deepest condolences" over the deaths, reflecting national concern.
Witness Descriptions and Speed Concerns
Witnesses reported the tram was traveling at a high speed, though it remains unclear if it exceeded the 50 km per hour speed limit for trams in the area. Anna, a 27-year-old woman in a nearby office, described hearing an "enormous bang" and seeing part of the tram intrude into a shop. The yellow and white tram was left slung across the road just outside Milan's historic center, a stark image of the disaster.
One passenger told ANSA news agency that they initially thought it was an earthquake, ending up on the floor with other passengers in a terrifying ordeal. This account emphasizes the sudden and violent nature of the derailment, leaving the community in mourning and authorities investigating the precise causes to prevent future incidents.
