Tragic Milan Crash: Motorcycle Runs Red Light, Two Fatalities
Milan, March 21 – A devastating traffic accident occurred in Milan early yesterday morning, claiming the lives of two young individuals. Elisa Teodora Dranca, 20, and Mithum Sandeepa Perera Kuranage, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene after their motorcycle collided with a taxi at high speed, reportedly after running a red light. The incident took place at the intersection of Corso XXII Marzo and Viale Campania.
The collision, which happened shortly after 3:30 AM, involved a powerful Kawasaki Ninja 650 motorcycle and a Toyota Rav 4 taxi. According to initial reports and dashcam footage, the motorcycle, described as a “green projectile,” entered the intersection from Piazza Piola along Viale Campania against a red light. The taxi, driven by a 61-year-old man identified as A.A., was proceeding from the city center, having crossed Corso XXII Marzo on a green light, intending to continue towards Viale Corsica.
Violent Impact and Immediate Fatalities
The impact was described as “terrifying.” The motorcycle struck the side of the SUV with such force that the taxi overturned onto its side and was propelled dozens of meters from the point of collision. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done for the two young people on the motorcycle. They died instantly. The taxi driver, A.A., was extracted from his vehicle and transported to the Policlinico hospital in code yellow with injuries.
Investigations by local police, utilizing surveillance camera footage and vehicle forensics, are underway to reconstruct the exact trajectories and circumstances leading to the crash. The public prosecutor has ordered autopsies on the victims’ bodies and has seized both vehicles. The helmets worn by the victims were also recovered; Elisa’s jet helmet and Mithum’s full-face helmet, which was dislodged by the force of the impact.
A Budding Relationship Cut Short
It has emerged that Elisa and Mithum had only met recently, on Sunday, through a mutual friend named Anna. Their initial conversations quickly evolved into days of extensive messaging. Their first official outing was on Thursday for an aperitif. On the evening of the accident, Elisa was supposed to be celebrating a birthday with Anna and other friends in a club in Navigli. However, she had to work the following morning at 10 AM, so Mithum offered to pick her up on his motorcycle and take her home after she left the club.
Anna recounted that Mithum arrived at the club at 2 AM but declined to stay, stating he “didn’t want to drink.” Elisa later texted Anna, saying, “How kind, he took me to eat.” They made a detour to a fast-food restaurant before heading home, just before the fatal collision.
Profiles of the Victims
Elisa Teodora Dranca, 20, of Romanian origin, had taken a gap year after high school. Her father is a plumber, and her mother works as a caregiver. She had recently started a job at a shop near her home in Locate di Triulzi, a town in the southern hinterland of Milan, to save money for university. Her plan was to enroll in a Marketing program at Cattolica University with Anna the following year. Friends described her as “an angel.”
Mithum Sandeepa Perera Kuranage, 23, originally from Lucca with Sri Lankan roots, had moved to Milan at the end of January. His father is a former athlete who participated in the Olympics. Mithum held two jobs to achieve independence: working at a real estate agency during the week and at a bar on weekends. He was remembered by friends as always “cheerful, kind, and helpful.”
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on the precise dynamics of the crash, including the speed of the motorcycle and the taxi’s movements. The tragic event underscores the critical importance of road safety and adherence to traffic regulations. The community mourns the loss of two promising young lives cut short in such a sudden and violent manner.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions about road safety in urban areas and the potential dangers of high-speed driving and disregard for traffic signals.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_21/milano-elisa-e-mithum-morti-sul-colpo-la-moto-contro-il-taxi-a-tutta-velocita-dopo-aver-bruciato-il-rosso-ee791007-805d-4e13-beb3-86fd7b16dxlk.shtml
