Tributes have poured in for victims of the fatal tram crash in Croydon this morning.
The vehicle was reportedly overturned just outside Addiscombe tunnel as it was turning the corner towards Sandilands Tram Stop in Addiscombe Road at around 6am.
This tragic incident has caused the highest number of rail passengers killed in a single incident since 2004.
Two passengers have now been stuck on the derailed tram for more than seven and a half hours.
The driver of the tram was arrested this afternoon but there is no suspicion of foul play according to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Prime Minster Theresa May, Mayor Khan and Jeremy Corbyn have all passed on their condolences to the family and friends of those affected in the incident.
Five people are confirmed dead and 51 are injured and have been taken to St George’s University Hospital and Croydon University Hospital.
Peter McKenna, deputy director of operations at London Ambulance Service said: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to everyone affected by this tragic incident, and thank our ambulance staff for their work under very difficult circumstances today.
“We were called at 6.13am to reports of a tram derailment at Addiscombe Road in Croydon.
“We sent 22 ambulance crews, 12 officers, and two advanced paramedic practitioners to the scene, alongside our hazardous area response team, who are trained to provide emergency medical care in hazardous areas such as confined spaces or where there may be hazardous materials.
“Two trauma teams from London’s Air Ambulance and a command support vehicle were also dispatched.
“We have treated a number of patients at the scene, mainly for minor injuries such as cuts and bruises, however very sadly some people have died and others have suffered serious injuries.
“We took 51 patients to hospital, 20 of whom were taken to St George’s University Hospital and 31 to Croydon University Hospital.
“We remain on scene, supporting our emergency service colleagues as they deal with this incident.”
My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones in the tragic incident this morning in Croydon. pic.twitter.com/XLsqw8jxxy
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 9, 2016
Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected by the tram derailment in Croydon this morning
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 9, 2016
Terrible accident in #Croydon – my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 9, 2016
Appalling news from Croydon. My thoughts are with the families and victims.
— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) November 9, 2016
We pray with great sadness for victims of the London tram accident, and for those working to help, heal and rescue
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) November 9, 2016
Sorry to hear of the sad news from #Croydon. Thoughts are with the families of those who lost their life and the many injured. https://t.co/CQWhnwJgYV
— Paul Scully MP (@scullyp) November 9, 2016
Thoughts on this terrible morning with everyone injured and hurt in the tram accident in Croydon, and with the rescue services at the scene
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedMP) November 9, 2016
Prayers for #Croydon friends&family of all who lost their lives or were injured today. Please call 08000 560 154 if concerned for loved one
— Siobhain McDonagh MP (@Siobhain_Mc) November 9, 2016
The thoughts of everyone at #CPFC are with those affected by this morning's tram derailment in Croydon. ❤️💙
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) November 9, 2016
Very sad news about Croydon tram crash. My condolences to all affected.
— Tom Brake (@thomasbrake) November 9, 2016
Horrific news, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected https://t.co/NfNuWmkwLX
— Stephen Hammond MP (@S_Hammond) November 9, 2016
Anyone concerned about family and friends who may have been involved in the incident can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 056 0154.
