Fatalities reported after tram overturns in south London

There has been “some loss of life” after a tram overturned in Croydon, south London, police have said. Emergency services initially said five were trapped but the fire service said several have now been freed. London Ambulance Service, meanwhile, said 50 people have been taken to hospital so far. Asst Chief Constable Robin Smith of British Transport Police said in a statement: “Together we are currently working to free two people still trapped. A number of people have been taken to hospital with injuries and, sadly, we can say there has been some loss of life. It is too early for us to confirm numbers but we are working hard to assess the ongoing incident and are continuing to focus on our recovery efforts. British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have now commenced independent investigations into the cause of this tragic incident. I ask that people have patience with the emergency services… Please avoid the area.”

I heard a massive crash at about 6.15am, then heard shouting, then the emergency services arrived.

Hannah Collier, Croydon resident

The incident, which involved a vehicle with two carriages, occurred in a tunnel, Transport for London said. Police were called to the scene underneath Addiscombe Road, near the Sandilands tram stop, in Croydon at around 6.10am. London Ambulance Service’s assistant director of operations Liam Lehane said that the injured - mostly “walking wounded” but some with serious injuries - had been taken to St George’s hospital in Tooting and Croydon University hospital.

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