The death toll from this morning’s incident where a tram came off the tracks in Croydon could increase says Sadiq Khan.
Five people died when the tram overturned at around 6am this morning and a further 51 people were taken to two south London hospitals by the London Ambulance Service.
Two people are still trapped in the tram – more than ten hours later.
The operation is now in the recovery stage but the London Mayor says they think the number of fatalities may well increase.
“I’m afraid as a consequence of a very serious tram derailing this morning there have been a number of fatalities.
“So I can confirm that five people have died and we think that that number may well increase.
“There are 51 people who were taken to two hospitals this morning – Croydon University Hospital and St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
“A number of those in hospital are in a serious condition.
“There is a special hotline that family members, friends and loved ones can ring if they are worried about members of their family or friends or loved ones.”
The former Tooting MP was quick to praise the work of the emergency services at this major incident.
He said: “The emergency services are still working now.
“We are now in the recovery stage of the operation.
“And I pay tribute to the emergency services.
“Particularly the fire brigade, the British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service for their hard work throughout the day.
“I think we’ve got to let them get on with their job during the recovery part of the process.
“My prayers and thoughts are with the family members and loved ones but also I want to pay tribute to the hard working men and women behind me who will be working when it gets dark as well to make sure the recovery part of this operation is as big a success as it can be.
“You’ll be aware that one arrest has been made and we’ll let that investigation take it’s course as well.”
Deputy Director of Operations Peter McKenna with Mayor of London @SadiqKhan, @BTP & @LondonFire at the scene of today's incident in #Croydon pic.twitter.com/8dTdhclJG0
— London Ambulance Service (@Ldn_Ambulance) November 9, 2016
Earlier today 20 patients were taken to St George’s University Hospital and 31 to Croydon University Hospital.
Dr Phil Moss, consultant in Emergency Medicine and clinical lead for the Emergency Department at St George’s said:
“This morning, we initiated our major incident procedure following the tram incident in Croydon.
“The major incident was subsequently stood down, but we are continuing to treat those patients transferred to us from the scene of the accident.
“16 patients were treated for minor injuries, and they have since left hospital.
“An additional four patients were transferred to us with more serious injuries.
“One has been discharged, whilst the remaining three patients are being looked after by our surgical and medical teams.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the events in Croydon today.
“I would also like to thank the staff at St George’s for their efforts today, as well as the other emergency services we work with on a daily basis.”
Anyone concerned about family and friends who may have been involved in the incident can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 056 0154.
Featured image courtesy of the London Ambulance Service, with thanks
