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1st Ld Writethru: Death toll rises to seven in London tram crash derailment

Xinhua, November 10, 2016 Adjust font size:

At least seven people have been killed and more than 50 injured after a Croydon Tramlink tram overturned in south London, British Transport Police officers announced Wednesday.

The 42-year-old tram driver has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and is currently in police custody. British Transport Police said they were investigating whether he fell asleep.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said the tram was traveling at a "significantly higher speed than is permitted."

It derailed when rounding a sharp curve with a 12mph (20kph) speed limit on the approach to a junction as it traveled from New Addington to Wimbledon.

Emergency services were called to a tram derailment near Sandilands tram stop at after 06:00 GMT this morning.

Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock said: "This is a tragic incident and our hearts and thoughts go out to all those affected. When officers arrived on scene this morning, they were met with a complex and challenging situation."

British Transport Police officers are continuing to work at the scene of a major incident in Croydon.

"We expect to be at the scene for at least the next 24 hours, continuing searches and carrying out forensic examinations in support of the investigation into the circumstances, and in order to provide a report for the Coroner," Hanstock said.

He said the police will assess on Thursday how and when it is appropriate to recover the tram and remove it from the tracks.

London Ambulance Service said eight people have serious or life-threatening injuries, while a total of 51 had been taken to two hospitals.

"We have treated a number of patients at the scene, mainly for minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. However, very sadly some people have died and others have suffered serious injuries," said Peter McKenna, deputy Director of Operations at London Ambulance Service.

Wednesday's accident was the greatest loss of life in a British rail accident since seven people were killed and 76 injured when a high-speed train from London came off the tracks at Potters Bar station north of the capital in 2002. Enditem