Croydon tram crash: Sadiq Khan thanks emergency services as Union Jack flies at half mast over City Hall

Fatal crash: Six men and a women were killed when the tram derailed at Sandilands station
PA / Sky News
Fiona Simpson11 November 2016

The Union Jack was flying at half-mast at City Hall in tribute to six men and a woman killed in Britain’s worst tram crash in a century.

Dane Chinnery, a 19-year-old Crystal Palace fan from New Addington, was among those who died when the tram derailed at speed as it travelled around a tight bend in Croydon.

Several people were left trapped and more than 50 were injured when the two-car tram packed with commuters overturned near the Sandilands stop at 6.10am on Wednesday.

Rail investigators believe it was travelling at a “significantly higher speed” than the 12mph limit.

Victim: Friends have paid tribute to Dane Chinnery, 19, killed in the crash in Croydon

Witnesses described horrific scenes after passengers were thrown through windows and trapped under the wreckage as the carriages derailed.

The driver – a 42-year-old man from Beckenham – was released on bail this morning, a British Transport Police spokesman said.

In tribute: The Union Jack flies at half mast at City Hall
Mayor of London/Facebook

Officers are investigating whether he fell asleep at the wheel.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan today paid tribute to the emergency services involved in dealing with the smash.

He wrote on Facebook: “I want to pay tribute to the tireless work of the emergency services, NHS staff, transport workers and Croydon Council which carries on following yesterday’s tram derailment in Croydon.

(Steve Parsons/PA )
Steve Parsons/PA

“Today, the Union flag at City Hall has been flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for all those who lost their lives in the incident.

Concerned: Sadiq Khan visits the scene of a tram crash in Croydon
PA

“My team continues to work with Croydon Council to find the best way to provide immediate help and support for those most affected.

“Investigations into what caused this tragic incident continue, and it is vital that we learn the lessons as quickly as possible to prevent anything like this from happening again.”

Yesterday Mr Khan warned the death toll following the crash could increase and said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of those who have lost their lives today and everyone involved in this tragic incident."

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