Milan tram derails and slams into a building, killing two people

A tram derailed and crashed into a building in central Milan on Friday, killing two people and injuring more than two dozen others in a shocking incident that disrupted the city during its busy fashion season.

The No. 9 tram, which runs through the heart of Italy’s financial capital, was traveling at high speed along the central Vittorio Veneto avenue when it unexpectedly swerved at a switch track normally used by another tram line. Security footage broadcast by Sky TG24 captured the dramatic moment when the tram nearly flipped onto its side while taking the curve before slamming into a building.

Milan Mayor Beppe Sala indicated that human error appears to be the cause of the accident. According to Sala, the driver, described as an experienced employee who had only been on shift for an hour before the crash, apparently failed to switch the tracks properly to keep the tram on its intended straight path. The mayor also noted that the driver had skipped a prior stop before the collision occurred.

“The driver will be questioned from the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries,” Sala told reporters at the scene. The mayor confirmed two fatalities – one passenger on the tram and one pedestrian on the street – while emphasizing that none of the other injured individuals were in life-threatening condition.

The accident comes at a particularly high-profile time for Milan, which is currently hosting its seasonal fashion shows that attract designers, models, and fashion industry professionals from around the world. The city is also in the interim period between hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, adding to its international visibility during this period.

Emergency services responded rapidly to the crash site, with dozens of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars arriving to assist victims. Rescue workers were seen escorting passengers wrapped in thermal blankets away from the scene as authorities secured the area. The collision caused significant disruption to transportation services in the central district, forcing rerouting of several public transit lines.

ATM, Milan’s public transport company, released a statement pledging full cooperation with prosecutors “to precisely establish the cause and dynamic of the incident.” The company did not provide further details about the condition of the tram or its maintenance history, though such information will likely be central to the ongoing investigation.

Public transportation safety in Milan has generally maintained a good record, making Friday’s fatal accident particularly notable. The city’s tram network is one of the most extensive in Europe, with routes dating back more than a century in some cases. The No. 9 line specifically serves as a crucial artery through Milan’s business and tourist districts.

City officials are expected to review safety protocols across the entire tram system following this incident. Questions about track switching procedures, driver training, and emergency override systems will likely form part of a broader safety examination.

Local businesses near the crash site reported hearing a loud bang followed by screams. Several shop owners assisted in the immediate aftermath, providing shelter and first aid to those with minor injuries before emergency services arrived.

The names of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their families. City authorities have announced that counseling services will be made available to survivors of the crash and witnesses who may have experienced trauma from the incident.