09.11.16
Passengers trapped after tram derails at Croydon
Passengers are trapped and some are reported to have been killed after a tram derailed in Croydon this morning.
Two carriages of the London Tramlink tram are derailed at Addiscombe Road near Sandilands tram stop.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) officers were called at 6.11am and British Transport Police (BTP) officers at 6.13am.
It is understood that teams from BTP, the LFB and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) have freed a number of people and are working to rescue two who remain trapped under the tram.
In addition, over 50 people have been taken to hospital with injuries and it is thought that there have been fatalities.
In a statement, BTP said: “A number of people have been taken to hospital with injuries and sadly it looks as though there has been some loss of life.
“It is too early for us to confirm numbers but we are working hard to assess the ongoing incident and we are continuing to focus on recovery efforts.”
LFB sent eight fire engines and five fire rescue units to the scene.
Andy Roe, deputy assistant commissioner of the LFB, who is in charge of the incident, said: “Firefighters have released a number of people and two people remain trapped. All the emergency services are working closely together to help those involved in this incident.”
A TfL spokesperson added that the organisation is currently working with the emergency services: “We will give further information as soon as possible.”
Mike Brown, London’s transport commissioner, said: "All of our thoughts are with those who sadly lost their lives in this incident, those who were injured and the families of those affected.
"We are working closely with the emergency services on site and will continue to work with them during the investigation into what happened.”
TfL said that tram services between Reeves Corner and Addington Village / Harrington Road were cancelled and would probably remain so for the rest of the day.
The RAIB has opened an investigation to try to determine how the incident occurred.
BTP said it was currently setting up a number for anyone concerned about relatives or friends to call, and that in the meantime they should contact 101.
2pm UPDATE
The BTP confirmed that five people have died and one person, understood to be the tram driver, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
Anyone who is concerned about friends or relatives who might be involved in the incident can call 0800 056 0154.
(Image c. Steve Parsons from PA Wire and PA Images)
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