LONDON – Five people have died and dozens more have been injured when a tram overturned in south London.
Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch at the scene. British Transport Police (BTP) has arrested the driver but would not confirm what for, the BBC reports.
Two people remain trapped inside the vehicle following the derailment in Croydon just after 06:00 GMT.
A number of people were freed and more than 50 people were taken to hospital with injuries.
The overturned tram remains on its side next to an underpass and appears to have derailed where the track branches.
Prime Minister Theresa May offered her thoughts and prayers and said the government was “closely in touch with the emergency services and other authorities to ensure that all is being done that is necessary to deal with this terrible incident.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have lost their lives today, and everyone involved in this incident.
“I am in close contact with the emergency services and Transport for London, who are working extremely hard under very difficult circumstances to get the situation under control and treat those who have been injured.
“The police have set up a number for friends and family to call for information: 0800 0560154.”
A book of condolence has opened at Croydon Town Hall.
Croydon Tramlink
London’s only tram network operates from Wimbledon to Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington, via Croydon. It began operation in May 2000 as Croydon Tramlink, becoming the first tram system in London since 1952.
More than 27 million passengers used the service in 2015/16. The 17 miles (28km) network consists of 39 stops.
