A crowded tram in Milan, Italy veered off the tracks on Friday afternoon, slammed into a building and killed two people while injuring about 40 others in one of the city’s worst public transport disasters in years. The tragedy struck during Milan Fashion Week and just days after the city wrapped up hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What Happened on Vittorio Veneto Street
The Line 9 tram was traveling through one of Milan’s busiest downtown corridors around 4:00 p.m. local time on February 27, 2026. As the yellow and white tram approached a track switch on Viale Vittorio Veneto, near its intersection with Via Lazzaretto, it suddenly veered off course.
Dashcam footage that went viral on Italian media showed the 25 meter long vehicle tilting dangerously to one side as it raced into a curve. It lurched to the other side before smashing into a tree and then crashing through the window of a Japanese restaurant called Robatakan.
One passenger described the moment of impact. He said he felt something underneath, then the tram derailed and everyone was thrown around. Another passenger said she thought it was an earthquake.
A delivery man on a bicycle was captured on video leaping to safety just seconds before the tram barreled past him. A pedestrian also raced out of the way.
Two Lives Lost in the Crash
The accident claimed two lives and left dozens wounded, some with serious injuries. One victim was a 60 year old Italian man who was walking near the scene. He was struck by the tram as it derailed and was pinned beneath the vehicle.
The second victim was a Senegalese man who was a passenger on the tram. He died on the way to the hospital after being rushed for emergency treatment.
Of the 40 people injured:
- Two were classified as critical (red code)
- Six suffered serious injuries (yellow code)
- 32 passengers had minor injuries (green code)
Milan’s regional emergency medical service deployed three medical vehicles, a nurse’s car, ten ambulances and two major incident coordination units. Five fire trucks carrying 25 firefighters rushed to the scene. Civil protection teams set up a tent right there on the street to treat the wounded.
Mayor Points to Human Error
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala arrived at the crash site and addressed reporters with a grim assessment. He suggested human error was likely behind the accident, saying the driver apparently failed to activate the track switch that would have kept the tram going straight.
| Key Facts About the Driver | |
|---|---|
| Experience Level | Seasoned employee with years of service |
| Shift Duration Before Crash | Only one hour into his shift |
| Condition After Accident | Hospitalized with minor injuries |
| Key Finding | Skipped the stop right before the crash |
The driver reportedly told investigators he felt ill before the crash. His mobile phone was seized as part of the investigation. Authorities are looking into whether speed played a role, as witnesses said the tram was moving fast. Milan has a 50 kilometer per hour speed limit for trams, but it remains unclear if the vehicle was exceeding that limit.
Prosecutor Marcello Viola, who is leading the investigation, described the impact between the tram and the building as devastating. His office has opened a case for manslaughter and bodily harm.
Brand New Tram Had Been in Service Just One Week
In a twist that surprised many, the tram involved was one of the newest in Milan’s fleet. The Stadler Tramlink model had only entered service on February 20, 2026, exactly one week before the accident.
Milan’s public transport company ATM invested 190 million euros in a fleet of 74 of these new trams built by the Spanish manufacturer Stadler Valencia. The three section, bidirectional vehicles were meant to replace older rolling stock over the next two years.
ATM released a statement saying it was deeply shocked by the accident. The company expressed sympathy to all those affected and said it was working with judicial authorities to understand exactly what caused the derailment.
Investigators are examining the rail switches at the intersection where the derailment happened, looking for any possible mechanical failure or infrastructure defect.
Italy’s Leaders Respond to Tragedy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deepest condolences over the deaths and offered solidarity to the city of Milan. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who is originally from Milan, said he was grieved by the accident and called for answers.
This tragedy comes at a painful moment for Milan, which just finished hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics and is now preparing for the Paralympics. The city is also in the middle of its world famous Fashion Week, with guests, journalists and celebrities filling the streets.
During the opening ceremony of the Winter Games, President Sergio Mattarella was shown in a skit riding a tram to the San Siro stadium. That celebratory image now stands in stark contrast to the horror that unfolded on Vittorio Veneto Street.
The accident has prompted city officials to pledge a review of safety protocols surrounding public transportation. For the families of the two victims and the dozens of injured passengers, the focus now turns to healing and waiting for answers.
This is a developing story that has shaken Milan to its core. The investigation will take weeks or possibly months to complete, but the questions are already swirling. How could a brand new tram, driven by an experienced operator, cause such destruction? What happened in those final seconds before the crash? And could this tragedy have been prevented?
What are your thoughts on public transport safety in major cities? Share this article with friends and family to spread awareness about this tragic event.
