Milan Tram Derailment Kills One and Injures Dozens During Fashion Week
A tram derailed and crashed into a building in the heart of Milan on Friday, resulting in one fatality and dozens of injuries, according to officials and Italian media reports. The incident occurred along the central Vittorio Veneto avenue, a key thoroughfare in Italy's financial capital, as the city was hosting its seasonal fashion shows.
Details of the Crash and Emergency Response
The No. 9 tram, which runs through Milan's core, was traveling at high speed and was supposed to continue straight along Vittorio Veneto. However, it suddenly swerved at a switch track used by another tram line, veering off its usual course. Video footage broadcast by Sky TG24 shows the tram nearly flipping onto its side as it took the curve before slamming to a stop against a building.
Guido Bertolaso, the welfare assessor for Lombardy, confirmed that one person was killed and one of the injured was in grave condition, as reported by LaPresse news agency. Emergency services, including dozens of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, responded swiftly to the scene. Crews escorted passengers wrapped in thermal blankets away from the crash site, highlighting the chaotic aftermath.
Context and Impact on Milan's Events
This tragic accident comes at a sensitive time for Milan, which is in the interim between hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, adding to the city's high-profile events calendar. The derailment has raised concerns about public transport safety during peak periods, especially with the ongoing fashion week attracting international visitors.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the derailment, focusing on factors such as track conditions and tram speed. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols in urban transport systems, particularly in bustling metropolitan areas like Milan.
