Tram-unlink: this morning's derailment
The multi-million pound Tramlink upgrade in central Croydon went well and truly off the tracks this morning, with a derailment opposite East Croydon station.
The derailment meant even more disruption for tram users, with the already reduced service now forced to operate eastwards from Sandilands and westwards from George Street.
Rail accident investigators were on the scene.
The incident occurred when the first carriage of a westbound tram, which was proceeding to the southern-most platform, but that after travelling over the points east of the tram stop, the second carriage was directed to the middle platform.
The tram started to jack-knife but lost power after disconnecting from the overhead power supply so limiting further damage.
There were no reports of anyone being hurt in the incident.
Investigators on the scene at East Croydon
An official from the Rail Accident Investigative Branch would not comment on the possible cause of the incident.
The central section of the Tramlink network has been closed for a week while TfL conducts £5 million-worth of upgrades to the system to provide “a smoother ride”, according to a TfL spokesman.
The works, which were due to be completed this weekend, include adjustments to the track bends and platforms, thought in part to be to accommodate the six new trams bought from Switzerland, which are longer than the existing stock.
Related articles
- Tramlink platforms to be extended for Croydon’s too-long trams (insidecroydon.com)
- Boris, O’Connell and the search for the missing Tramlink (insidecroydon.com)
- Dear Prime Minister: this is what Croydon really needs (insidecroydon.com)
