A tram derailed in central Milan on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring dozens more. The accident occurred in the mid-afternoon on Via Vittorio Veneto, in the north of the Lombardy metropolis, near Piazza della Repubblica and Porta Venezia.
The Line 9 train derailed before crashing into a building, throwing some passengers and pedestrians nearby. According to initial reports, one person, approximately 60 years old, died, while between 20 and 30 people were injured, some seriously.
"A huge explosion"
Emergency services, including firefighters, ambulances, and civil protection units, quickly responded to assist the victims. A witness to the accident reported hearing "a huge explosion" and having seen part of the tram hit a shop.
Another passenger described the scene as if it were an earthquake. He was thrown to the ground and saw several seriously injured people around him, a testament to the chaos that ensued at the time of the derailment.
The causes of the tragedy are still unknown.
Some witnesses mentioned excessive speed, but there has been no official confirmation. The accident occurred while Milan is hosting its Fashion Week.
The Milan prosecutor, Marcellus Violawent to the scene and opened an investigation for manslaughter and unintentional injury.
The latest report indicates 2 dead and 40 injured.
