Milan, March 4 – Investigations into a tram derailment in Milan that tragically claimed two lives and left 54 people injured are intensifying, with human error emerging as a primary focus. The incident, which occurred last Friday, has prompted a thorough inquiry by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Marcello Viola and Deputy Prosecutor Elisa Calanducci.
Super-Consultant Appointed to Aid Investigation
Professor Fabrizio D’Errico of the Polytechnic University, an expert in railway disasters, has been appointed as a super-consultant to assist the prosecution. D’Errico previously worked on the investigation into the 2018 Pioltello train crash. His expertise is expected to provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the tram derailment.
Initial Findings Rule Out Tram Malfunction
Initial assessments by local police technicians indicate no anomalies in the Tramlink’s functioning. The tram’s safety system, the points, and the signal indicating track position were all operational. Furthermore, the emergency brakes installed on the tram did not activate before the collision. These findings steer the investigation towards factors other than mechanical failure.
Human Error Remains Key Hypothesis
The investigation is increasingly concentrating on the hypothesis of human error. However, this is not yet a certainty, and further clarity is expected from the analysis of the tram driver’s phone. Pietro M., the 60-year-old tram driver, is currently under investigation for railway disaster, negligent homicide, and injury.
Possible Distraction or Illness
The human error hypothesis opens two avenues of inquiry: driver distraction, potentially linked to cell phone use, or a sudden illness, as the driver himself initially reported to rescuers. An analysis of phone records (excluding data traffic) has not revealed any conversations during the critical period. The only calls made were prior to the start of his shift (an hour earlier) and immediately after the impact.
In the immediate aftermath, Pietro M., in a state of shock, made two calls to the ATM operations center, reporting a “derailment.” The operations center then had to contact the driver of the tram following the derailed one to obtain initial information. Notably, the tram driver did not report an injury to his left big toe, sustained half an hour earlier while loading a stroller, before the incident.
Legal Procedures and Next Steps
The investigative process is expected to be lengthy, as the prosecution will proceed with an unrepeatable technical assessment, which allows for the appointment of consultants for the suspect. This ensures a comprehensive and fair investigation.
Community Concerns and Previous Incidents
Local citizen committees have voiced concerns about the new Tramlink system, calling for its suspension from circulation. They have appealed to ATM and the Municipality of Milan for action. This incident follows a previous report of a blackout in the front camera, which was part of an earlier investigation into the derailment for negligent disaster.
Driver’s Family Expresses Shock
The tram driver’s wife has expressed profound distress, stating, “We are devastated and cannot understand. In 35 years of work, he had never had a problem.” This sentiment highlights the unexpected nature of the incident for those close to the driver.
Ongoing Analysis of Black Box and Phones
Initial results from the analysis of the tram’s black box and the driver’s phones are expected today. The driver continues to maintain that he experienced an “illness after a foot trauma.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses have shared their experiences, with one individual stating, “I asked for an hour off work, it saved my life.” Other accounts include people taking selfies at the scene and shouts of “Shame.”
The city of Milan is awaiting further developments in this ongoing investigation, which seeks to determine the precise cause of this tragic tram derailment and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: milano.corriere.it
