London Mayor and emergency workers remember Croydon tram crash victims

9 November 2019, 09:44

The scene of the fatal tram crash in Croydon in 2016
The scene of the fatal tram crash in Croydon in 2016. Picture: PA

By Asher McShane

The Mayor of London and emergency services have paid tribute to the seven victims who died in a tram crash in Croydon, south London.

Three years on from the tragedy, Sadiq Khan said: “On the third anniversary of the Sandilands tram disaster in Croydon, our thoughts remain with everyone affected. We will never forget that devastating day.

"We will continue to ensure all safety recommendations are implemented so that a tragedy like this never happens again.”

The British Transport police said: “Three years ago today, seven people got up for work. They kissed their loved ones goodbye and boarded a tram.

“They never came home.

“Today we remember those seven people and all those whose lives changed forever on that terrible morning in Croydon on 9 November 2016.”

The London Fire Brigade wrote: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the #Croydon Tram Crash & their friends & family on the third anniversary. Firefighters will attend a memorial service today.”

Seven people died in the crash on November 9 2016. The tram came off the tracks near the Sandilands stop while travelling at almost four times the speed limit in darkness and heavy rain.

Last month it emerged the driver of the tram, Alfred Dorris, of Beckenham, south east London, would not face charges of gross negligence manslaughter.

An investigation found he may have drifted into a ‘micro sleep’ before taking the tram round a bend at 45mph.

Dane Chinnery, 19, Phillips Seary, 57, Mark Smith, Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, Donald Collett, 62, Philip Logan, 52, Robert Huxley, 63, all lost their lives in the crash.