Two Dead and Over 50 Injured as Tram Derails in Central Milan

A tragic tram accident in central Milan has resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left more than 50 others injured, prompting an official investigation into the cause of the incident. The derailment occurred on Friday afternoon, involving a modern tram operating on Line 9, which veered off the tracks at a busy intersection and collided with a building, coming to a halt in the entrance area of a restaurant.

Authorities have reported that the fatalities include a 59-year-old Italian citizen and a 56-year-old man originally from Senegal, both passengers on the tram. The majority of the injured are also believed to have been passengers, with several sustaining serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

Preliminary findings suggest that the tram driver, a 61-year-old veteran employee of Milan's public transport authority with over three decades of service, may have suffered a sudden health issue prior to the accident. According to official sources, the driver indicated to investigators that he began to feel unwell shortly before the derailment. Prior to the collision, the tram reportedly failed to stop at a scheduled station, continued at a high speed, and ultimately crashed into the building. Security footage shows the tram swaying dangerously moments before the impact, underscoring the severity of the incident.

The public prosecutor's office has launched an inquiry to determine whether negligence played a role in the accident. Investigators are focusing on possible causes, including the health condition of the driver and the performance of the vehicle's safety systems. As part of standard procedure, the driver was hospitalized following the crash and underwent blood tests to rule out the influence of substances or underlying medical conditions.

Of particular concern is whether the tram's integrated safety features functioned as intended. The model involved in the accident was introduced to the network only a few months ago and is equipped with an automated safety mechanism designed to halt the vehicle if the driver does not actively engage with specific controls at regular intervals. It remains unclear whether this system was operational or if other technical issues contributed to the failure to stop the tram safely.

The incident occurred just days after the conclusion of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan, a period during which the city's public transport system was under particular pressure due to increased passenger volumes. The accident has raised questions about the adequacy of current safety protocols and the readiness of the city's transit infrastructure to handle such demands.

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, evacuating passengers and providing immediate care to those injured. The area around the accident site was cordoned off while investigators collected evidence and assessed the extent of the damage to both the tram and the affected building.

Efforts are ongoing to support the victims and their families. Local authorities have expressed condolences and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings from the ongoing probe are expected to provide further insight into the exact sequence of events and any potential lapses in safety procedures.