A tram derailed in Milan, Italy, killing at least one person and injuring 39 others, some seriously.

The crowded tram was traveling on line 9 along Viale Vittorio Veneto around 16:00 local time when it left the tracks and crashed into a building.

The deceased is believed to be a pedestrian struck by the tram, while most of the injured were passengers. Numerous ambulances are at the scene, with reports of people trapped in the wreckage.

Passengers described hearing a noise under the tram before it veered off the tracks, accelerated, and hit the side of a building.

Civil protection teams set up a tent at the scene to assist the injured.

The cause of the derailment is unclear, though media reports suggested the tram took a sharp turn too quickly as it exited Viale Vittorio Veneto.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala and other city officials arrived at the crash site.

Transport company ATM stated it was "deeply shaken" by the incident and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.

The incident occurred as the city is crowded with international visitors, celebrities, and journalists for Milan Fashion Week.

According to Corriere della Sera, the three-car tram is a new bidirectional type with driver cabs at both ends, introduced in the city just weeks ago.

Source: www.bbc.com