A horrifying incident unfolded as a crowded tram derailed, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals in a bustling city center. The entire event was captured on video.
The distressing footage shows a food delivery cyclist and a pedestrian frantically fleeing for safety as the tram leans precariously towards them before toppling over onto its side. The impact caused a section of the tram to collide with a nearby building, leaving numerous passengers trapped inside.
Following the incident in central Milan, Italy, two fatalities were confirmed. The deceased were identified as 59-year-old Ferdinando Favia, hailing from Vigevano, and 58-year-old Abdou Kari Toure, originally from Senegal.
First responders swiftly arrived at the scene post-accident, where injured pedestrians, including those pinned under the tram, were rushed to Niguarda Hospital for treatment.
The tram, designated as number 9, was traveling along Viale Vittorio Veneto in Milan when the crash occurred around 4 pm local time yesterday. Witnesses recounted passengers being stranded on the tracks. Regrettably, a 59-year-old male passenger on the tram and a pedestrian lost their lives in the tragic event.
The accident transpired as the city was hosting its seasonal fashion shows, positioned between the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. It remains uncertain at this stage whether the individuals reportedly trapped were crossing the road, while the driver possibly made an abrupt stop to evade them.
Milan mayor Beppe Sala raised the possibility of human error, suggesting that the tram operator failed to switch tracks to maintain a straight path, potentially due to a sudden illness. Sala described the operator as an experienced employee who had recently commenced his shift.
Despite being injured, the driver skipped a scheduled stop before the crash and is set to be interrogated at the hospital where he is receiving medical care.
A passenger aboard the tram recalled the chaotic moment, stating, “I felt like it was an earthquake. I was seated and suddenly thrown to the floor along with others. It was a harrowing experience. Fortunately, I only injured my knee, but the person next to me was bleeding from the head. It took me some time to get up and exit the tram.”
Another female passenger shared her account, saying, “We heard a strange noise beneath us, then the tram derailed, causing everyone to be tossed around. The tram swerved, gained momentum, and collided with a building. I had boarded at the initial stop, Repubblica, standing beside the driver. Everyone crashed into me during the chaos.”
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