Two Trams Derailing in 9 Days: Drama, Deaths and Now the Bolt
In Milan, a tram derailed again due to a loose bolt, raising concerns about safety and maintenance following a previous tram accident a week earlier.
Milan's tram network faced another incident when a Jumbo tram derailed on the evening of Saturday, February 27, 2026. The tram, which was returning empty to the depot, derailed while navigating a curve near the Central Station but fortunately did not overturn or hurt anyone. The incident caused minimal disruption, and technicians from the tram service company promptly managed to remove the vehicle without significant safety issues.
Atm, the tram operator, has confirmed that the cause of the derailment was a loose bolt on the track that caused the loss of traction. The exact origin of this issue remains uncertain, with investigations underway to determine whether it was an accidental oversight, a maintenance error, or potentially a deliberate act. This latest incident casts a shadow over the safety of Milan's tram system, especially in light of a serious accident involving a newer Tramlink vehicle that occurred just nine days earlier.
The previous tram accident on February 18, 2026, involving a Tramlink that was in active service, resulted in notable disruptions and concerns for public safety. The recurrence of tram derailments within such a short time frame raises significant questions about the maintenance protocols and safety measures implemented by Atm. The ongoing investigations will not only seek to clarify the cause of these incidents but also address public fears regarding the reliability of the tram system in Milan.