'˜Loss of life' in Croydon tram crash

There has been 'some loss of life' and dozens of people have been injured after a tram derailed in derailed in south London.

The scene in Croydon where a tram has overturned. Pictures: SWNS

Emergency services are still working at the scene near Sandilands tram stop in Croydon to free people trapped, British Transport Police said.

More than 50 people were injured when the crowded rush-hour two-carriage tram tipped onto its side next to an underpass near the stop at around 6.10am on Wednesday.

Robin Smith assistant chief constable of BTP said: “It is too early for us to confirm numbers but we are working hard to assess the ongoing incident and we are continuing to focus on recovery efforts.”

Accident investigators have gone to the scene to probe how the derailment happened.

People living nearby told of hearing a loud noise and seeing the injured being carried away on stretchers.

The tram appeared to have derailed at a point where the track branches.

London Fire Brigade sent eight appliances and more than 70 firefighters to the scene in Addiscombe Road.

Croydon resident Hannah Collier, 23, said: “I heard a massive crash at about 6.15am, then heard shouting, then the emergency services arrived.

“They started bringing up the casualties, some very seriously injured. People were carried away on stretchers.”

Adil Salahi, whose property overlooks the track, said the noise he heard was “sudden”.

The 76-year-old said: “It was about 6.10 or 6.15 and because I was praying. I could not move and try to check what it is. I thought it was something in the garage doors. Then I thought it was some lorry.”

Transport for London said the line is suspended between Reeves Corner and Addington Village/Harrington Road.