Seven Killed As London Tram Comes Off The Rails
Umer Jamshaid Published November 10, 2016 | 12:00 AM
LONDON, Nov 9 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 09th Nov, 2016 ) : At least seven people were killed and around 50 injured on Wednesday when a London tram came off the tracks and tipped over. One survivor recounted how a woman landed on top of him, adding that there was "blood everywhere" after the tram appeared to speed up before coming off the rails.
The incident happened before dawn at around 6:10am (0610 GMT) outside Croydon in south London as it negotiated a bend in the track. The 42-year-old driver had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, British Transport Police said.
"Everyone just literally went flying," said Martin Bamford, 30, from Croydon, who was on the tram and recalled it "speeding up" before it derailed. "There was a woman that was on top of me... I don't think she made it at all.
She wasn't responsive." Asked about the driver, Bamford said: "I asked him if he was okay. He said 'yeah'. I said to him 'what happened?' He said he thinks he blacked out." Bamford was speaking outside Croydon University Hospital, where he was being treated for fractured or broken ribs.
Probes were under way to determine what caused the 300-tonne, two-car tram to derail and tip over onto its side. The Rail Accident Investigations Branch said the tram derailed as it was negotiating a "sharp, left-hand curve" with a speed limit of 12 miles (19 kilometres) per hour.
A spokesman said: "Initial indications suggest that the tram was travelling at a significantly higher speed than is permitted.
" - Loud bang - ============= Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock of the British Transport Police (BTP) indicated that the death toll could rise further.
"At least seven people have lost their lives as a result of this incident," he said in a statement. "Our officers will continue to work tirelessly throughout the evening to formally identify them and provide care and support for their families.
"We expect to be at the scene for at least the next 24 hours, continuing searches and carrying out forensic examinations." Local residents described hearing a loud bang and seeing the wounded being carried away on stretchers.
The London Ambulance Service said 51 patients had been taken to two local hospitals. Several people were treated for minor injuries such as cuts and bruises at the scene. Doctor Phil Moss, the clinical director of the emergency department at St George's Hospital, said they treated 20 patients.
"The patients who have gone to the operating theatre will certainly be kept overnight if not for several days or even weeks," he said. London Fire Brigade said it had been working to free several trapped people.
London's only tram system, which opened in 2000, links several south London suburbs along 17 miles (28 kilometres) of track. More than 27 million passengers used the service in 2015-16.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From World
-
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
4 hours ago -
S.Africa's ex-president Zuma barred from May election
4 hours ago -
Tax the rich: slow progress on the international front
4 hours ago -
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
4 hours ago -
Russia sentences journalist to 2 years in prison, detains others
4 hours ago -
France asks for foreign help for Olympics security: officials
5 hours ago
-
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
5 hours ago -
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
6 hours ago -
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
5 hours ago -
French parliament backs bill against hair discrimination affecting black women
5 hours ago -
Russia says 'evidence' links Ukraine to Moscow attack
5 hours ago -
Russian shelling kills three in Ukraine, officials say
6 hours ago