LONDON — Five people have died and more than 50 were injured after a tram derailed and overturned early Wednesday in a “major incident” in south London’s Croydon area, police said.
“At present, we can confirm five people have, sadly, died following this incident,” British Transport Police said in a statement.
“One person has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody,” the statement said.
Unconfirmed British media reports said the person arrested was the tram driver.
Emergency services were called to the Sandlands tram stop in Croydon just after 6 a.m. and worked for more than five hours to free several trapped people.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of those who have lost their lives today and everyone involved in this tragic incident,” said Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London.
“I am in contact with the emergency services and TfL, who are working extremely hard under very difficult circumstances to get the situation under control and treat those who have been injured,” Khan said.