Community Gathers to Remember Tram Crash Victims
Today, the community of Croydon comes together to mark the ninth anniversary of the devastating tram crash at Sandilands junction. A public memorial service will be held in Market Square, Central Parade, New Addington at 1pm. This year's timing is later than usual due to the anniversary falling on Remembrance Sunday.
On November 9, 2016, a tram travelling from New Addington to Wimbledon derailed shortly after 6am as it approached a sharp bend near Sandilands tram stop. The incident resulted in seven fatalities and 62 injuries, with 19 people seriously hurt. This remains the worst tram disaster in the United Kingdom since 1959.
The Tragic Details of the Disaster
Investigations revealed that the tram failed to slow down significantly when the speed limit suddenly dropped from 50mph to 12mph. The subsequent inquiry found that the driver had likely experienced a brief episode of microsleep, losing awareness moments before the crash. Authorities also criticised the lack of adequate signage warning drivers of the sudden speed change.
Following a lengthy legal process, driver Alfred Dorris was cleared of all charges at the Old Bailey in 2023. An inquest had previously returned verdicts of accidental death for all seven victims.
Remembering the Seven Lives Lost
Dane Chinnery, aged just 19, was the youngest victim. The former Meridian High School pupil and avid Crystal Palace fan was remembered emotionally by fans at Selhurst Park shortly after his death. His uncle Trevor Corps described him as someone "so, so special" with an unforgettable smile.
Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, was a mother of two young girls, Maya and Nicole, and was on her way to work in Croydon when the tragedy occurred. Her husband Andrzej spoke of how her "memory a treasure" and how she was "loved beyond words".
Mark Smith, 35, had become a father just 18 months before his death. The passionate carp fisherman and window fitter from Croydon was travelling to work on a specialist glass project in Central London when the tram derailed.
Philip Logan, 52, from New Addington, had questioned whether to go to work that morning because of heavy rain. His wife Marilyn said: "Not a day goes by without me thinking about Philip."
Philip Seary, 57, known as "Tank" to friends, was a devoted Crystal Palace fan and father of three travelling to his job at the Royal Opera House. His family described him as a "gentle giant with a heart to match".
Donald Collett, 62, from Croydon, was a grandfather-of-three working as a driver for security firm G4S. His family remembered him as a "well loved, funny and generous man" who could "light up a room with his smile".
Robert Huxley, 63, from New Addington, was a lifelong Chelsea supporter and season ticket holder on his way to work. His family described him as a "larger than life character" and a "devoted father and grandfather".
For those affected by the tragedy, support remains available through Croydon Talking Therapies, which offers psychological therapies to adults registered with a Croydon GP.
