MILAN, Italy (AP) – A tragic accident occurred in the heart of Milan on February 27, 2026, when a tram derailed and collided with a building, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuring over two dozen others. The incident took place along Vittorio Veneto avenue, a central area in Italy's financial capital, at a time when the city was bustling with seasonal fashion shows and in the interim between the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The tram involved was the No. 9 tram, which runs through the core of Milan. Reports indicate that it was traveling at a high speed along Vittorio Veneto when it unexpectedly swerved at a switch track, which is typically used by another tram line, leading to its derailing. Eyewitness videos broadcasted by Sky TG24 depicted the tram almost flipping over as it navigated the curve before crashing into a nearby building.

Milan's Mayor, Beppe Sala, indicated that human error was likely responsible for the incident. According to the mayor, the tram driver, a seasoned employee who had only been on duty for an hour, reportedly neglected to switch the tracks to maintain the tram's path. Mayor Sala noted that the driver had also skipped a prior stop, and he would be questioned while receiving treatment for his injuries in the hospital.

As a result of the crash, Sala confirmed that two fatalities occurred: one victim was a passenger on the tram, while the other was a pedestrian on the street. Fortunately, none of the additional injured individuals were reported to be in life-threatening condition. Emergency services, including dozens of ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, quickly responded to the scene and assisted passengers, offering them thermal blankets as they were escorted away from the wreckage.

ATM, the Milan public transport company, announced that it is cooperating with prosecutors to accurately determine the cause and dynamics of the incident. This cooperation comes as investigators aim to comprehend how such a tragic accident could unfold in a metropolitan area bustling with activity.

The incident raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place for public transport in Milan, particularly in vital areas frequented by many locals and tourists alike. Public transport officials and authorities will be keenly observing the investigation's outcomes to ensure a similar tragedy does not happen in the future.