5 dead, over 50 hurt as tram overturns near London

At least five persons were killed and over 50 injured when a tram derailed inside a tunnel in south London during an early morning rainstorm on Wednesday, police said.

The driver of the tram has been arrested but the charges have not been revealed yet. "At present, we can confirm five people have sadly died following this incident," British Transport Police (BTP) said on the accident in Croydon, a town near London in south England.

Emergency services rushed to the scene near the Sandilands tram stop on Addiscombe Road in the small town to free people trapped in the two-carriage vehicle.

Transport for London (TfL) said the incident occurred inside a tunnel.

"The Rail Accident Investigation Bureau is now investigating this incident and will work out how this tragic incident has occurred,” TfL said. 

Witnesses reported hearing a bang at the scene, where police were called at 6.13am GMT on Wednesday.

The tram appeared to be on its side next to an underpass, and there was a large police cordon in the area with scores of emergency vehicles nearby.

The tram seemed to have derailed at a point at which the track diverges.

British Prime Minister Theresa May offered her thoughts and prayers and said the government was "closely in touch with the emergency services and other authorities to ensure that all is being done that is necessary to deal with this terrible incident .

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who have lost their lives today, and everyone involved in this incident.

"I am in close contact with the emergency services and Transport for London, who are working extremely hard under very difficult circumstances to get the situation under control and treat those who have been injured. The police have set up a number for friends and family to call for information," Khan said.