Croydon’s civic and religious leaders came together this afternoon to express their sympathy for the victims and the bereaved of today’s horrific Sandilands tram accident.
Wayne Trakas-Lawlor: perspective
Sunday’s annual civic service, to be held at Croydon Minster to remember the fallen in two world wars and in other conflicts since, will now also include special prayers for all those affected by today’s tragic events in Croydon, in which five people died and more than 50 people required hospital treatment, some of them after suffering serious injuries.
Wayne Trakas-Lawlor, the Mayor of Croydon, said this afternoon, “Incredibly sad day for Croydon following the Tramlink tragedy early this morning. It really puts perspective on what is important in life and what is not important.
“Elections come and go but someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, aunt or uncle set out on their journey to work this morning, never to return again.
“Croydon is a town in mourning and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. May those who lost their lives, Rest In Eternal Peace.”
The leaders of Croydon’s faith communities, The Rt Rev Jonathan Clark, the Bishop of Croydon; The Rev Reuben Martin, the Convenor of Croydon Churches Forum; and Nisar Karim, of the South London Council of Mosques, also issued a statement.
They said, “As leaders of the faith communities in the Borough of Croydon we join together to express our grief and shock at this terrible accident.
“We are remembering in our prayers those who have lost their lives, the injured, those who have been bereaved and their friends and families. We pray too for those in the emergency services who have responded so quickly to this tragic event.
“This Sunday’s Remembrance Service at Croydon Minster, alongside remembering those who have died in war, will also include prayers for all those involved in this tragic accident.”
For details about Sunday’s civic service, click here.
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