Five people are trapped and dozens injured as London tram crashes in a tunnel in Croydon sparking a major rescue operation
- Tram overturns in Croydon this morning causing serious injuries
- Five people are trapped and 40 injured with paramedics at scene
- Motorists urged to avoid area around Sandilands stop by police
- Major rescue operation underway to free those still inside vehicle
Five people are trapped and 40 people have been injured after a tram overturned in London this morning.
London Fire Brigade confirmed the incident, involving a two-car vehicle, happened in Croydon in a tunnel near Sandilands Tram Stop at around 6am during heavy rain.
A major rescue operation is underway as the emergency services scramble to free those still inside the vehicle.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area by police while there is traffic chaos across the area.
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Emergency services are at the scene of a tram crash in Croydon (pictured) this morning in which five people are trapped and 40 injured
Police have confirmed a tram has overturned this morning in Croydon and have urged people to avoid the area
A major rescue operation is now underway to rescue those still inside the vehicle
Emergency services continue to arrive at the scene to join in the rescue operation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it was called to reports of a tram overturning at 6.10am with officers currently sealing off parts of the area.
Paramedics from London Ambulance Service are also at the scene.
A spokesman for the service said: 'We are attending an incident in the Croydon area and have multiple resources on way.'
Many people have taken to social media to speak of their shock at the incident, with some claiming to have seen people 'taken away on stretchers'.
Eight fire engines and four fire and rescue crews are at the scene.
James Long, who lives metres away from the scene, told the Evening Standard: 'It happened on a sharp bend on the approach to Sandilands tram stop.
'I've never seen so any emergency services attend a scene.'
Eyewitness Miguel John told MailOnline he was on a bus to Bromley North when he saw emergency services 'flooding' to the area at around 6.30am.
Eight fire engines and four fire and rescue crews are at the scene of the crash
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 6.10am this morning
Tfl said the tram service has been suspended between Reeves Corner and Addington Village/Harrington Road.
London trams can reach a top speed of 50mph. There are currently two makes in operation - the Bombardier CR4000 and the Variobahn.
CR4000 models weigh around 36tonnes, are around 100ft long, 10ft high and 8ft wide with a capacity for almost 250 people, including 70 seats.
Variobahns also weigh around 35 tonnes and are of a similar size to the CR4000s.
