At least one dead and 39 injured as tram derails in Milan
A tram derailment in Milan resulted in at least one death and 39 injuries, with speed being cited as a potential cause.
A tragic incident occurred in Milan on Friday when a tram derailed and crashed into a shop, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 39 others, three of whom are in serious condition. The tram, a new Tramlink model that had only recently begun operation, was reportedly traveling at a high speed when the accident took place at around 16:00 local time on Via Vittorio Veneto, near the city center. Emergency services, including five fire units, rapidly mobilized to respond to the crash and assist the injured.
Initial investigations suggest that excessive speed may have been a key factor in the derailment, as indicated by reports from sources close to La Stampa. The tram was en route from Piazza della Repubblica toward Porta Venezia when it lost control and veered off its tracks, tragically hitting a pedestrian along the way. Milan's chief prosecutor, Marcello Viola, has arrived at the scene to coordinate the investigation into the causes behind this horrific accident.
The incident raises serious concerns about tram safety in Milan, particularly with the introduction of new tram models. City officials and transportation authorities will likely face scrutiny in the coming days to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent such accidents in the future and to maintain the safety of public transportation. This case will also underscore the importance of thorough investigations into the operational standards and safety protocols that govern tram services throughout the region.