London tram accident leaves seven people dead, over 50 injured

A tram came off the tracks and tipped over in London resulting in the death of seven people and injury of more than 50 others.

The tragic incident took place before dawn at around 6:10 AM local time outside Croydon, which is located in south London. The accident happened as the tram was turning at a bend in the tracks.

So far the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, but it is being speculated that the accident occurred due to a fault of the driver. The 42-year-old driver has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter according to a report by the British Transport police.

“Everyone just literally went flying,” said Martin Bamford, 30, from Croydon, who was on the tram and recalled it “speeding up” before it derailed.

“There was a woman that was on top of me… I don´t think she made it at all. She wasn´t responsive.” Asked about the driver, Bamford said: “I asked him if he was okay. He said ´yeah´. I said to him ´what happened? ´ He said he thinks he blacked out.”

The initial investigations have revealed that the train was taking a ‘sharp, left-hand turn’ at a curve at the speed of 12 miles per hour. The Rail Accident Investigations Branch reported that this was a very high speed as compared to the limits which are permitted.

Local residents reported hearing a very loud bang when the accident occurred early in the morning. After a while, people were seen being carried off on stretchers to nearby hospitals.

Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock of the British Transport Police (BTP) indicated that the death toll could rise further. “At least seven people have lost their lives as a result of this incident,” he said in a statement.

“Our officers will continue to work tirelessly throughout the evening to formally identify them and provide care and support for their families.

“We expect to be at the scene for at least the next 24 hours, continuing searches and carrying out forensic examinations.”

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