London Tramlink CR4000 2551 has now been removed from Sandilands junction following Wednesday’s derailment as the investigation into what happened continues with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) set to release an interim report next week. The clear up of the accident site continues as the identities of those who tragically lost their lives in the derailment start to be released by the Police.
As we reported at the time 2551 came off the tracks on the curve from the New Addington branch at 0613 on Wednesday 9th November as it was working a service from New Addington to Wimbledon. Initial investigations by the RAIB suggest that the tram derailed and turned over as a result of travelling at excess speed on the tight curve although it should be reiterated that this is the initial findings and any other suggestions in the national media remain as just speculation. The release of the interim report next week is likely to give further indications as to the causes.
There were over 50 people on the tram with seven people confirmed as dead. This included six men and one woman with the identities of four so far confirmed. These are Dane Chinnery, 19, Philip Seary, 57, Mark Smith and Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35. Of those taken to hospital three remain at St George’s Hospital in Tooting in a serious condition. Our thoughts are with all who have been affected by the derailment.
The 42 year old driver of the tram, who was arrested in the aftermath on suspicion of manslaughter, has been released on bail until May as the investigation continues.
Following the conclusion of the on-site investigation a crane was used to lift the two sections of 2551 from the trackbed in the early hours of Saturday 12th November. They were then loaded onto two separate low loaders and covered with tarpaulins before being driven away to allow further investigations to be undertaken by the RAIB.
London Tramlink continue to operate a limited service between Harrington Road and Beckenham Junction, Addington Village and New Addington and East Croydon and Wimbledon. Repairs will be necessary to the track at the derailment site before a through service can be resumed.