At least seven people have died and dozens more have been injured after a tram overturned in Croydon, London.
The incident occurred near to Sandilands Junction on the London Tramlink system at around 06:10 hrs on Wednesday 9 November. The tram derailed on its approach to the junction and was turned on its side.
Initial indications suggest it was ‘travelling at a significantly higher speed than is permitted’ according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Trams approaching from the New Addington direction have to negotiate a sharp, left-hand curve with a speed limit of 20 km/h (12 mph) before reaching the junction RAIB said.
The driver, a 42-year-old man from Beckenham, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and has since been released on bail.
Deputy chief constable Adrian Hanstock of the British Transport Police, said: ‘When officers arrived on scene this morning shortly after 6am, they were met with a complex and challenging situation.
‘Together with our partners from the other emergency services and with support from London resilience agencies, they have worked through the day, and will continue to work throughout the night, at the scene.
‘After liaison with the coroner, we can confirm that at least seven people have lost their lives as a result of this incident.
‘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.
‘In the coming days, we will continue to work alongside the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish the circumstances of how this happened. At this stage it is too early to speculate on a single factor being the cause of this incident.’
Prime Minister Theresa May and transport secretary Chris Grayling offered thoughts and prayers to those affected.
Ms May said the government was 'closely in touch with the emergency services and other authorities to ensure that all is being done that is necessary to deal with this terrible incident'.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'I am in close contact with the emergency services and Transport for London, who are working extremely hard under very difficult circumstances to get the situation under control and treat those who have been injured.'
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