UPDATE: Croydon tram crash 7 dead and 51 hurt in derailment

The number of people killed after a tram came off rails in Croydon, south London has risen to seven. The two-car vehicle crashed near the Sandilands tram stop, east Croydon, shortly after 6am.

Investigators from theĀ Rail Accident Investigation Branch said the tramĀ had beenĀ negotiatingĀ a “sharp, left-hand curve with a speed limit of 12mph” when it tipped over.

“The derailment occurred on theĀ curve and initial indications suggest that the tram was travelling at a significantly higher speed than is permitted.”

The driver was arrested after emergency services had to free several people who were trapped and took more than 50Ā to hospital. Some had serious or life-threatening injuries.

A passenger claimed to have asked the driver what had happened, saying: “He said he thinks he blacked out.”

Rail union ASLEFĀ said it was essential that a full investigation takes place and there should be no “rush to place blame”.

Prime Minister Theresa May said her “thoughts and prayers” were with those caught up in the “terrible incident”.

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