More than one person has died after a Croydon tram derailed this morning.
Police on the scene said the tram overturned just outside Addiscombe tunnel as it was turning the corner towards Sandilands Tram Stop in Addiscombe Road at around 6am.
Emergency services are still at the site of the accident trying to free two people who have been trapped for six hours now.
British Transport Police assistant chief constable Robin Smith said: “A number of people have been taken to hospital with injuries and sadly we can say there has been some loss of life.”
London Fire Brigade has eight vehicles and 70 firefighters at the scene and they are expected to remain there for several hours as they attempt to free those still trapped.
Deputy assistant commissioner, Andy Roe, 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.”
London Ambulance Service are also in attendance, with 22 ambulance crews and two advanced paramedic practitioners sent to the scene.
Deputy director of operations Peter McKenna, said: “We have treated a number of patients at the scene and took 51 patients to hospital.
“20 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.”
Two trauma teams from London’s Air Ambulance and a command support vehicle were also dispatched.
A St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said the Tooting hospital is currently treating four people with serious injuries.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I am in contact with emergency services and TfL who are working extremely hard to get the situation under control and treat those who have been injured.”
My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones in the tragic incident this morning in Croydon.
— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) November 9, 2016
Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are at the scene.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Our thoughts are with the victims and the loved ones of those affected by the tram derailment in Croydon this morning.”
The incident has caused travel chaos in the surrounding area, with roads closed, buses on diversion and Croydon Tramlink line is closed between Reeves Corner and Addiscombe village.
Chris Grayling, transport secretary, said: “I am aware of the serious incident in Croydon this morning. I know emergency services are working extremely hard at the scene and my thoughts are with all those involved.”
“Council teams have been working throughout the morning to assist the British Transport Police and emergency services at the scene,” said Jo Negrini, chief executive of Croydon Council.
“The council has also set up a reception centre for family, friends and people affected by the incident at the council offices, Bernard Weatherill House, Mint Walk.”
Anyone concerned about family and friends who may have been involved in the incident can call the Casualty Bureau on 0800 056 0154.
