Tram derails in Milan, leaving one dead and dozens injured

A tragic tram derailment in Milan has resulted in the loss of one life and left at least 39 others injured, some seriously, following an accident that unfolded in the heart of the northern Italian city.

The crowded tram was operating on the Line 9 route along Viale Vittorio Veneto at approximately 16:00 local time when it suddenly left the tracks and crashed into a nearby building.

Initial reports indicate that the person who died was a pedestrian struck during the derailment, while most of the injured were passengers on board. Emergency services responded rapidly, deploying multiple ambulances and civil protection teams, who have since set up a medical assistance tent at the scene to treat victims.

Passengers described a frightening sequence of events, recalling a loud noise beneath the tram moments before it veered off course, accelerated, and collided with a structure.

One passenger told Italian media the experience felt like an earthquake, explaining that the sudden jolt threw people to the floor.

As the tram came off the tracks, it reportedly struck a traffic light before crashing into the window of a restaurant. A delivery rider waiting at the signal and a pedestrian nearby narrowly avoided injury.

Witnesses in nearby buildings described hearing a powerful impact, with some seeing part of the tram lodged into a shopfront.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the derailment, though early media reports suggest the vehicle may have taken a sharp bend too quickly while turning out of Viale Vittorio Veneto.

Giuseppe Sala, the city’s mayor, visited the crash site alongside other officials as investigations began.

Transport operator ATM expressed deep shock over the incident and extended condolences to those affected.

The accident comes as Milan hosts a surge of international visitors attending the globally renowned Milan Fashion Week, adding to the urgency of the emergency response in one of the city’s busiest periods.