2 Dead, 40 Injured When Tram Derails During Rush Hour as Driver Claims He ‘Felt Sick’ Prior to Crash

**Tram Crash in Milan Results in Two Fatalities and Over 40 Injuries**

A tram derailment in Milan on 27 February has tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left at least 40 others injured during the bustling rush hour. The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. local time along Viale Vittorio Veneto, a busy thoroughfare in the heart of the city.

Reports indicate that a Line 9 tram, which was en route to Port Genova, veered off its tracks and crashed into a shop window. Emergency services responded swiftly, confirming that two men lost their lives as a result of the collision. One of the deceased has been identified as a 60-year-old Italian man, while the other was a Senegalese national travelling on the tram at the time of the crash.

Among those injured, the condition of at least one person is considered critical, while six others are reported to be in serious condition. The remaining injuries sustained by passengers are classified as minor, according to local news outlets.

Witnesses described hearing ominous sounds before the impact. One passenger recounted, “I thought it was an earthquake. I was sitting down and I fell to the floor, along with the other passengers. It was terrible.” Another individual, who was dining at a nearby café, reported hearing a whistle and a screeching noise before witnessing the tram tip to the left and then a resounding crash accompanied by breaking glass.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the crash. Initial reports suggest that the tram may have been travelling at a high speed prior to the derailment. Colleagues of the tram driver claimed that he failed to stop at a traffic signal moments before the accident occurred. Following the incident, the driver stated to investigators that he “felt sick” and “unwell,” leading to further inquiries regarding his state at the time of the crash.

The driver was taken to a local hospital for assessment and is expected to be interviewed by the police as part of the ongoing investigation. The nature and cause of the driver’s alleged illness are yet to be determined.

One local resident, reflecting on the tragedy, expressed disbelief that such an accident could happen in Milan, stating, “In my 70 years of living here, I have never seen an accident like this.” His wife was among those injured and was subsequently taken to Fatebenefratelli Hospital for evaluation.

As investigations unfold, local authorities are under pressure to determine the specific factors that contributed to this deadly incident. The crash has sent shockwaves throughout the community, prompting discussions about public transport safety and the need for stringent monitoring of service operations.

Victims have begun to receive support from local services, with counselling offered to those affected by the incident. The city’s public transport agency has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasising their commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers across Milan’s extensive tram network.

As the city mourns the tragic loss of life, residents are left grappling with the reality of this unexpected disaster and the urgent need for improvements in transportation safety measures to prevent future occurrences.