Milan, March 12, 2026 – The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has summoned two witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation into the tram derailment that took place on February 27. The incident, involving tram line 9, tragically resulted in two deaths and left more than 50 people injured. The summoned individuals include a colleague of the tram driver and a technical inspector from ATM, Milan’s public transport company.
Driver’s Health and Pre-Derailment Call Under Investigation
Prosecutors Elisa Calanducci and Corinna Carrara, who are coordinating the investigation led by local police, are focusing on a crucial phone call made by the tram driver to a colleague shortly before the accident. According to initial reports, the driver informed his colleague that he had injured his foot. The 60-year-old driver later stated that he had bumped his big toe while helping a passenger in a wheelchair board the tram a few stops prior to the derailment. This injury was subsequently confirmed by medical professionals. The driver reportedly told his colleague that he had experienced a moment where he ‘saw everything black’ before the crash.
Vasovagal Syncope Confirmed by Doctors
Medical professionals who discharged the driver from the hospital after the incident have confirmed a vasovagal syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. It is believed that this sudden faint, coupled with missing the preceding stop as reported by passengers, prevented the driver from activating the track deviation. Consequently, the tram allegedly turned left at full speed, leading to the catastrophic derailment.
Post-Impact Call and Ongoing Investigations
Following the tram’s impact with a building on Viale Vittorio Veneto, the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and made a phone call. Recordings of this call are now in the possession of investigators. The driver was heard to mumble, ‘Derailment, bad, bad.’ Currently, the driver’s phone is undergoing analysis, as investigators are exploring the possibility of distraction in addition to the alleged medical condition. The driver, who is currently under investigation for negligent railway disaster, manslaughter, and negligent injury, is expected to be questioned in the coming days. Further technical assessments of the tram’s black box and kinematic consultancy for accident reconstruction are also awaited.
Impact and Aftermath
The derailment of tram line 9 has sent shockwaves through Milan. The incident highlights critical questions regarding driver health, operational safety protocols, and emergency response mechanisms within the public transport system. The investigation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the derailment and to implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community Response and Public Concern
The tragic event has garnered significant public attention and concern, especially regarding the safety of public transportation. The local community is awaiting the full results of the investigation, hoping for clarity and accountability. The incident has also sparked discussions about the working conditions of tram drivers and the support systems in place for their well-being.
Future Steps in the Investigation
The ongoing investigation will involve a thorough examination of all available evidence, including witness testimonies, technical data from the tram, and medical reports concerning the driver’s condition. The aim is to establish a clear timeline of events and identify any contributing factors that led to the derailment. The findings are expected to inform future safety regulations and operational procedures for public transport in Milan and potentially beyond.
