Feb 27 • 19:40 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Two dead and 38 injured after tram derails in Milan

A tram derailed in Milan, resulting in two fatalities and 38 injuries, drawing attention from local authorities and the prime minister.

A tragic incident occurred in Milan when a tram derailed and crashed into a building, killing two individuals and injuring 38 others. Among the deceased was a passerby struck by the tram during the derailment and a passenger aboard the tram. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, providing assistance to shocked passengers and transporting the seriously injured to local hospitals. The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, addressed the media at the site, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the impact on the local community.

Initial investigations into the cause of the derailment suggest that the tram driver may have neglected to activate a necessary track switch, leading to the catastrophic event. Reports indicate that the driver also bypassed the last stop on the tram line prior to the accident, raising serious questions about operational safety protocols. Valerio Gaglione, a witness to the incident, recounted the scene, describing individuals trapped under the tram and passengers in distress, illustrating the chaos and severity of the situation.

In response to the incident, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni extended her condolences to the victims' families, reflecting the national concern surrounding this devastating event. Lead investigator Prosecutor Marcello Viola noted the tram's collision with the building resulted in significant damage, prompting an in-depth probe into the circumstances leading to the derailment. This incident is likely to spur discussions on public transportation safety and regulations within the city and beyond.

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