Runaway tram crashes into restaurant in Milan, leaving dead and 40 injured
Illustrative photo: Italian police (Getty Images)
A tram derailed in Milan and crashed into a building, leaving two people dead and about 40 injured, according to the BBC.
Chaos struck central Milan at the height of Fashion Week when a new three-car tram derailed at high speed, knocked down a traffic light, and crashed into a building, smashing the front of a restaurant. The crash left two people dead and dozens injured.
The accident occurred around 04:00 PM on the busy Viale Vittorio Veneto along route No. 9. The tram, packed with passengers, suddenly lost control. The vehicle first hit a traffic light and then slammed into the building façade, embedding itself in the restaurant storefront.
Witnesses described the moment of impact as terrifying. One passenger said he fell to the floor as objects shattered around him and initially thought an earthquake had struck.
Victims and injured
Preliminary information indicates the victims include a 60-year-old pedestrian who was struck by the out-of-control tram and one passenger inside the vehicle.
About 40 people were injured. Rescue teams had to cut some victims out of the damaged carriage, with most injuries involving fractures and bruises caused by the impact.
Investigation
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala visited the scene as authorities began examining the causes of the crash on a route served by a new tram model introduced only weeks earlier.
Investigators are considering several scenarios:
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Driver health: Officials are examining whether the driver may have suffered a sudden medical emergency. He is described as experienced and has been on duty for about an hour.
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Technical failure: the tram reportedly skipped several stops before the crash, raising the possibility of a braking or control system malfunction.
City reaction
The tragedy occurred during a particularly busy period for Milan, which is hosting large numbers of visitors for Fashion Week and preparing for upcoming Paralympic events following the Winter Olympics.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed condolences to the victims’ families, while transport operator ATM said it will fully cooperate with the investigation.
