Tram Crash Memorial in Croydon Pic: Zoe Ettinger
A memorial service was held on Friday to mark the two-year anniversary of the Croydon tram crash.
Seven people were killed and 62 were injured in the 2016 crash that took place near Sandilands station. Nineteen of the 62 people injured sustained serious injuries.
Families and friends gathered at the memorial in the central square of New Addington to remember those whose lives were lost.
Many wept as Croydon Mayor Bernadette Khan said: “[The tragedy] was widely felt across the borough and particularly in the community of New Addington.”
Croydon Mayor Bernadette Khan speaks during the Croydon tram crash memorial Pic: Zoe Ettinger
Khan told the crowd how she believed in the strength of the community. She said: “Croydon has faced many adversities and I admire the resilience of this community.”
She also commended the efforts of the first responders at the scene. Khan said: “I know there are many groups who continue to work tirelessly to support those affected.”
School choirs from Fairchildes Primary School and Meridian High School sang Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” to honor those lost. The song was made available on iTunes so that proceeds could be donated to a relief fund.
As Mayor Khan concluded her speech she said: “We come together today to remember those who lost their lives.”
A moment of silence was held to honor the tram crash victims.
Firefighters during the moment of silence at the Croydon tram crash memorial day Pic: Zoe Ettinger
After the service, families and friends of the deceased approached the memorial site with flowers. Bouquets were placed in front of the memorial stone which reads the names of those lost.
Moment of silence during the memorial Pic: Zoe Ettinger
Labour Councillor for New Addington, Oliver Lewis, was at the service. He said: “New Addington is a strong community. However the Sandilands tram crash of 2 years ago had a big impact on this place, with five of the seven fatalities being from New Addington. For many here it is still a painful memory, but it is important to mark the anniversary of the accident to remember those who lost their lives, and to stand in solidarity with their families, the survivors and all those affected.”
