Tram Derails in Milan, Leaving Two Dead and Dozens Injured
At least two people have tragically lost their lives and around 40 others sustained injuries following a shocking tram derailment in Milan. This incident unfolded around 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on the busy Line 9 route along Viale Vittorio Veneto. The tram went off track and collided with a building, creating chaos and distress in the heart of the city.
Details of the Incident
– Fatalities:
– A 60-year-old pedestrian: believed to have been struck by the tram.
– Other fatality and most of the injured: identified as passengers onboard the tram.
– Casualties:
– Injuries: Reports indicate approximately 40 individuals were injured, with several trapped in the wreckage upon emergency services’ arrival.
– Witness Accounts:
– Passengers reported hearing a loud noise before the tram veered off its track, accelerating uncontrollably into a building. One passenger, who was seated, described the horrifying experience as akin to an earthquake.
– A nearby delivery rider and a young man on the sidewalk narrowly escaped the devastation as the tram first collided with a traffic light before crashing through the window of a restaurant.
– A passenger recalled, “I got on at the first stop, [Piazza della] Repubblica. I was standing next to the driver, and they all crashed into me.”
– Emergency Response:
– Civil protection teams quickly set up a tent to provide aid and comfort to the injured on-site.
Investigation Into the Cause
While the exact cause of the derailment remains unclear, preliminary reports suggest that the tram might have taken a sharp corner too rapidly, leading to the catastrophic situation. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala indicated that investigations are underway, noting the driver was very experienced and had been on duty for only an hour. A skipped stop before the crash is also under scrutiny, with the possibility of the driver experiencing a sudden medical issue being considered.
Citywide Impact
The tragic incident has left the transport company, ATM, “deeply shaken,” expressing condolences to the victims and their families. This disaster occurred during Milan Fashion Week, a time when the city is bustling with international visitors, adding to the sense of urgency and tragedy surrounding the events. This tram, a new bidirectional model with driver’s cabs at both ends, had only been introduced a few weeks prior to the incident.
Conclusion
The tram derailment in Milan has resulted in heart-wrenching losses and raised serious questions about safety. As investigations proceed, the city mourns its victims and rallies together in support of those affected. The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols in public transportation systems and serves as a sobering reminder of the potential hazards that can occur in bustling urban environments.