Driver arrested after seven people die in Croydon tram crash

The driver of a tram that derailed in Croydon which left seven people dead has been arrested. Emergency services were called to the scene just after 6am on the morning on 9 November to the "serious incident" near to Sandilands tram stop in south London.

More than 50 people have also been taken to hospital following the derailment which occurred just before rush hour. Many were described as "walking wounded" by the London Ambulance Service, but others received serious injuries.

Three people were also rescued from the wreckage by the London Fire Service, with two people still trapped inside.

British Transport Police (BTP) said the 42-year-old male driver of the tram, from Beckenham, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and is currently in police custody.

A spokesperson added: "British Transport Police officers are continuing to work at the scene of a major incident in Croydon.

"Emergency services were called to a tram derailment near Sandilands tram stop at 6.13am this morning.

"At least seven people are now confirmed as having died as a result of the incident."

Peter McKenna, Deputy Director of Operations at London Ambulance Service said: "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 and took 51 patients to hospital. Twenty 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."

London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said: "My thoughts, and those of everyone at London Fire Brigade, are with everybody affected by this tragic incident. Firefighters worked tirelessly this morning to help the injured and rescue those who were trapped."

Finn Brennan, of the train drivers' union Aslef, said the incident was "truly dreadful". He added: "Lives have been lost and there are many serious injuries. This is a tragedy for all those involved. For the women and men who set out this morning on their journey to work and suffered this awful accident and their families, the grief and pain must be terrible.

"There will be a full investigation into the causes of this incident by the RAIB [Rail Accident Investigation Branch] and others. There should be no rush to judgment or to place blame until the facts are known.

"For now, our thoughts are with all those injured and lost, their families, Tramlink staff and the emergency service and NHS staff working to save lives as they do every day."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also paid respect to those killed in the derailment. He said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have lost their lives today in the tram derailment in Croydon, and to everyone involved in this tragic incident."

Mike Brown, London's Transport Commissioner, added: "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."

There is no tram service between East Croydon and Addington Village / Harrington Road / Elmers End while emergency services deal with the derailment.