Paramedics from London Ambulance Service who responded to the Croydon tram disaster attended a moving ceremony to mark its 10th anniversary yesterday, paying tribute to those who lost their lives alongside survivors and bereaved families.
The derailment happened on Wednesday 9 November 2016 near Sandilands tram stop, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring 62 others. The memorial took place at New Addington Central Parade by the stone and plaque that honours those who died in the disaster.
A minute’s silence was observed and survivors of the tragedy spoke emotionally about how that day changed their lives forever. Emergency service workers who were at the scene were in attendance to pay their respects.
LAS Divisional Director of Operations for South London James Johnson laid a wreath in memory of all those who lost their lives 10 years ago.
Recalling that day, Head of Specialist Operations Liam Lehane, who supported the operational response to the incident, described it as “one of the worst transport disasters” he had ever seen. It was Liam’s job to ensure there were sufficient resources at the scene and to coordinate the safe transportation of patients.
He said there was an “eerie sense of silence” when he arrived, despite the large emergency service presence already at the scene.
Liam said: “The enormity of the situation never leaves you. These catastrophic incidents have a lasting impact on emergency service staff of all stripes. There can be an emotional toll that you can’t measure, but which is always there.
“The first responders that day did a tremendous job in very challenging circumstances. Ten years on, and our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, and with their families and friends.”
Neil Hobson was part of one of the first ambulance crews to arrive on scene. He had just started his shift when he and his crewmate were told there had been a major tram derailment.
Neil said: “It was early in the morning, still very dark and it was raining heavily when we arrived.
“I went from patient to patient, assessing their injuries and making sure they received the care they needed.
“It was early in my career when I responded to the incident, but even to this day, it is still the most challenging scene I have been to.
“The memorial service is an important opportunity for the emergency services to come together, reflect and remember everyone who sadly lost their life and those who were injured.”
Dominic Stark was part of the Hazardous Area Response Team that responded to the incident. He remembers the complexity of the scene.
Dominic said: “Treating patients in this type of environment was extremely difficult. Even though the disaster was ten years ago, I still remember specific details like it was yesterday. It was a very difficult day.
“Attending the memorial allows us to reflect with the survivors, bereaved families and other responders who were affected that day.”