A 28 year old man – originally reported as being a pedestrian but since confirmed as a passenger on board a bus – died after a bus collided with a tram in Wellesley Road, central Croydon on Sunday 7th September. Six of the passengers on board the bus were also injured along with the driver of the bus – who was arrested upon release from St George’s Hospital, Tooting. The driver of the tram was also taken to hospital.
It is believed that the man who died was thrown from the bus during the collision and was then struck by the tram. Following the collision the bus continued at speed down George Street where it damaged shop fronts before coming to a stand after a further collision with an illegally parked car.
The incident happened at 1000 on Sunday 7th September when the number 468 bus heading for West Croydon struck the tram which was heading for George Street having recently left East Croydon station. The local media report that witnesses have suggested that the bus swerved to avoid a car causing it to collide with the tram. The bus is believed to have been able to go so far down George Street because the driver was knocked unconscious in the incident. It has also been suggested that the traffic lights at this location were not working and were all on green at the time of the accident.
A full investigation is now being undertaken by the Police at the Collision Investigation Unit based at Catford Traffic Garage. Transport for London have said they will be assisting the investigation in any way they can.
A TfL spokesman said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the person who died, and those who were injured. We will carry out a full investigation into the incident, and will be assisting the police."
Cllr Phil Thomas, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, added: “The loss of life in the town centre road incident over the weekend is very much regretted. We look forward to receiving results of police investigation and liaising with colleagues in TfL as to whether any steps should be taken to help avoid a recurrence. We have always worked closely with Tramlink to identify and respond to safety issues relating to trams on the highway. Meanwhile, our thoughts are naturally with the family and friends of the victim.”
Whilst the Police undertook their investigation, and treated the area as a crime scene, no trams ran between Reeves Corner and East Croydon although services were back in operation by Monday (8th September) at the latest.
Source: Croydon Guardian, This is Croydon Today & BBC News Online