Croydon tram crash: Family tributes to victims of as inquest begins more than four years after tragedy | UK News

The households of seven individuals who had been killed when a tram got here off the tracks in Croydon four-and-a-half years in the past have paid tribute to their family members at first of an inquest into the deaths.

Dane Chinnery, 19, Philip Seary, 57, Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, Robert Huxley, 63, and Philip Logan, 52, who had been all from New Addington, misplaced their lives within the accident in south London on November 9 2016.

Mark Smith, 35 and Donald Collett, 62, each from Croydon, had been additionally killed, whereas an additional 51 had been injured.

19-year-old Dane Chinnery.
 Mark Smith and 
 57-year-old football fan Philip Seary. 
 35-year-old Dorota Rynkiewicz.

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(From left) Dane Chinnery, Mark Smith, Philip Seary and Dorota Rynkiewicz had been among the many seven killed within the crash

Tracy Angelo spoke of her father Mr Collett and broke down in tears as she recalled him giving the “tightest cuddles”.

She stated her household skilled the “darkest days of our lives” after his dying.

Ms Angelo stated her father would advise her to “sleep on it” when she had an issue, telling her “issues would at all times look higher within the morning”.

“Unfortunately although, this piece of recommendation has not been one thing that I can say is true since 9 November 2016, issues haven’t regarded higher within the morning for any of us with out dad’s smiling face in our world,” stated Ms Angelo.

The 14-week inquest was due to start in October 2020 however was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A coroner will hear proof about how a tram was derailed after taking a bend within the observe at nearly four occasions the velocity restrict.

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The inquest was due to happen in October 2020 however was delayed due to the pandemic

Mr Huxley’s son Ross struggled to maintain again tears as he described his dad as “one of life’s true gents”.

“Loyal, reliable and completely dedicated to his devoted household of whom he was so very proud, all those that had the pleasure of assembly Bob have a spot seem of their lives that may by no means be crammed,” stated Mr Huxley.

Some of the victims’ relations are dissatisfied that the driving force of the tram, Alfred Dorris, is not going to be talking on the listening to.

He by no means confronted felony expenses, however a report by Rail Accident Investigation Branch stated he might have fallen right into a “microsleep” for up to 49 seconds earlier than the crash.

Mr Dorris has been identified as unfit to attend the inquest.

The tram slid for 25 meters on its side before coming to a halt

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The tram slid for 25 meters on its aspect earlier than coming to a halt

Beverley Gray stated of son Dane Chinnery: “He ought to be right here dwelling his desires. Not a day goes by that I do not take into consideration him and what he would have grow to be.”

When she initially heard concerning the crash, she did not fear as a result of she thought her son had caught an earlier tram.

But later that day she came upon he hadn’t turned up for work.

“I’ll by no means see him develop up, get married or have kids,” stated Ms Gray.

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