A tram which crashed in Croydon, south London, killing seven people was travelling at three and a half times the speed limit when it derailed, accident investigators have said.
An interim report by the UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found that the vehicle was doing approximately 44mph as it entered a sharp bend with a 12mph limit.
The tram derailed and overturned as it approached Sandilands Junction at 6.07am on Wednesday November 9.
The investigation has found no evidence of track defects or a malfunction of the tram’s braking system.
The RAIB issued “urgent safety advice” to First Group, which carries out the day-to-day operation of the trams, and Transport for London, which manages the overall performance of the network.
Both organisations were urged to take measures to reduce the risk of trams approaching the location of the crash “at an excessive speed” once the line is reopened.
This could be done with a further speed restriction before the start of the 12mph limit and additional warning signs, the report suggested.
Discover more from London Glossy Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
