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.
"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".
"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.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
