Public appeal raises £15,000 for families of tram crash victims

Flowers were laid for the crash victims at a Remembrance Sunday memorial in New Addington

Flowers were laid for the crash victims at a Remembrance Sunday memorial in New Addington Pic: Croydon Council

The public have given more than £15,000 to help support the victims, families and communities involved in the Croydon tram crash.

Seven people lost their lives, and over 50 people were hurt, some with life changing injuries. Three of the victims are still in hospital, having undergone surgery last week.

Following the incident, Croydon council set up a JustGiving page last week, where up to 500 people have donated to the cause.

Many of those involved will require long term emotional and financial support. The money will go towards helping families of the victims access the on-going care needed.

All seven victims have been officially identified by the British Transport Police as Dane Chinnery, 19, Philip Seary, 57, Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, Donald Collett, 62, Philip Logan, 52, Robert Huxley, 63 and newly engaged father Mark Smith, 35.

Local MP and Minister for Housing, Planning and London, Gavin Barwell addressed the House of Commons yesterday for the first time since the crash. He said: “When we say goodbye to our loved ones each morning it never crosses our mind that we might not see them again. Seven families are now having to face that terrible reality and others will only return to their loved ones after a lengthy stay in hospital and with life changing injuries.

They will need support in the days, weeks and months ahead. The government will work with the Mayor of London and Croydon Council to make sure that they receive it.”

The crash victims

The crash victims who lost their lives

“The last few days have been the toughest in my six years as a member of this house, but I have been sustained by the way in which the people of Croydon have supported the emergency services, as they’ve carried out their difficult work, and the family of friends of those who were killed or injured. We are a strong community and we will support each other in our grief.”

Councillor Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has already donated to the JustGiving page and I hope the money raised will let all of those affected by this awful tragedy know they remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

“I am incredibly proud of how Croydon is standing together and supporting each other after last week’s tragic events. If you can spare some money and have yet to donate, please do so via our fundraising page, which will ensure care, help and support is given to those most in need both now and in the difficult months that follow.”

Flowers and tributes at the scene of the crash. Pic: Nick Dowson

Flowers and tributes at the scene of the crash. Pic: Nick Dowson

The two overturned tram carriages were removed from the crash site on Saturday morning. Work has begun on repairing the damaged track.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry into the incident and will publish an interim report this week. The final report will not be ready for months, though any pressing and urgent information found before the final report will be published immediately.

Donations can be made online by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/croydon-council-tram-incident-fund

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