London Fire Brigade has paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sandilands tram derailment, 10 years on from the tragedy.
On the 9th of November 2016, a tram derailed near Sandilands tram station on Addiscombe Road in Croydon. In response, eight fire engines and five Fire Rescue Units attended the scene, carrying out complex rescue operations to free trapped passengers. More than 60 people were injured and seven passengers died when the tram overturned at 0607 am.
To mark the anniversary, the London Fire Commissioner joined other senior Brigade staff and emergency service partners, at a wreath-laying ceremony in New Addington. Together, they held a two-minute silence and remembered the seven people who lost their lives and reflected on the lasting impact the incident has had on survivors, families, responders and the wider community.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “On the tenth anniversary of this tragic incident, my thoughts, and those of everyone at London Fire Brigade, are with those who lost loved ones, those who survived, and those who continue to feel the impact of this terrible incident.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to those firefighters and emergency service workers who responded on the day. We have not forgotten the dedication and professionalism shown by all those who worked tirelessly at the scene.
Their work in incredibly challenging conditions is just one example of the dedication shown by emergency service workers on a daily basis.”