Seven dead in Croydon tram tragedy
Police have now confirmed that seven people have lost their lives in the tram derailment near Sandilands tram stop on Wednesday morning. The whole community across Croydon is shocked, and people’s first thoughts are with those who have died and with their loved ones. Anyone concerned about missing people should contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040.
Croydon Council have also set up an official fundraising page for anyone wishing to support the victims and their families. Donations can be made online here.
The council has opened up a community assistance centre at the Addington Community Association in Central Parade, New Addington from 8am on Thursday 10th November.
A book of condolence is available to sign at the Town Hall on Katherine Street from 8.30am until 10.30pm and will be there for signing at these times:
- Friday 11 Nov – 9am until 10pm
- Saturday 12 Nov – 9am until 5pm
- Sunday 13 Nov – 9am until 5pm
Steve Reed MP said:
I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of everyone who died or was injured in this shocking incident. It’s hard to believe that people in Croydon got up to go to work and then this happened on their journey. Like everyone else, I offer my gratitude to the emergency services who were on the scene so quickly and did so much to help people there. It’s important there is now a thorough inquiry into how this happened, and new safeguards quickly put in place to reassure people that the tram system is safe.
Additional information is available on the Croydon Council website
Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.
Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.