Six men and one woman died in Croydon tram accident, police confirm
Six men and one woman died in the tram accident in Croydon yesterday, British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed.
A tram derailed and overturned at the Sandilands stop just after 6am yesterday morning, leaving seven people dead and more than 50 people were hospitalised due to their injuries.
"Following the incident in Croydon yesterday, we can confirm that six men and one woman have sadly died," the BTP said.
"We are working with the Coroner to identify these seven people and their families are being supported by specially trained officers.
"We remain at the scene, where investigations and forensic work continue."
The tram's driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter yesterday, and was later released on bail. The 42-year-old man from Beckenham has been bailed until May while investigations continue at the scene and officers work to establish the circumstances of the incident, the police.
One of the victims was named in the press today as Dane Chinnery, a 19-year-old man from New Addington.
“Today the whole of Croydon is in mourning as we try to come to terms with the single biggest tragedy in our community in living memory," said Steve O'Connell, London Assembly member for Croydon and Sutton.
“Having visited the scene of the crash yesterday, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to the emergency services for the work they carried out under what must have been harrowingly difficult circumstances."
He added: “As the names of the victims begin to emerge, it is so important that our community comes together and supports the friends, families and loved ones of all those affected.
“In time I will be doing all I can to ensure this incident is fully investigated and that we rightly get answers over how this appalling tragedy unfolded.”