Firefighters worked 'tirelessly' to help passengers of a derailed tram near the Sandilands tram stop on Addiscombe Road in Croydon, CR0 yesterday morning.
Eight fire engines and five fire rescue units (FRUs), which contain specialist rescue equipment were at the scene at the height of the incident.
Fire rescue units are equipped with heavy lifting, winching, cutting and pulling tools, floodlighting, longer duration breathing apparatus, portable generators and other specialised equipment. FRU crews are specially trained and equipped to handle complex rescues, including those from road and rail accidents, water, mud and ice, urban search and rescue incidents such as collapsed buildings, chemical spills and difficult rescues at height.
London Fire Commissioner, Ron Dobson, said:
“My thoughts, and those of everyone at London Fire Brigade, are with everybody affected by this tragic incident. Firefighters worked tirelessly to help the injured and rescue those who were trapped.”
The Brigade was called at 0611 and the first fire engine was on the scene within six minutes of being called. Firefighters remained at the scene until around 9pm helping with the recovery operation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Andy Roe, said:
“Firefighters worked incredibly hard with colleagues from other emergency services to rescue a significant number of passengers. Sadly people have lost their lives and our thoughts are with their friends and family.
“Fire crews undertook complex cutting and heavy lifting operations to free passengers and used air bags to help lift the tram.”