The tram, one of the newest models in operation in Milan, came off the tracks on Vittorio Veneto Street, near Milan’s Central Station, crashing into the window of a shop.

Local emergency services said 13 ambulances were on the scene.

Civil protection teams set up a tent to assist the injured, according to a Reuters eyewitness.

The Milan transport company, ATM, said in a statement it was “deeply shocked”, expressed its sympathy to those affected and said it was working with authorities to try to understand the cause.