The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has said the Croydon tram was travelling more than three times too fast before it crashed last week in an interim report. 

The report has confirmed the tram was travelling at a speed of approximately 43.5 mph (70 km/h) as it entered the curve where it derailed. The speed limit on the curve had a maximum speed of 12.5mph (20 km/h). 

The tram derailed as it reached the curve in the track on the approach to the Sandilands Junctions, flipping onto its right side and skidding along for approximately 25 metres before reaching a stop. 

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Google image showing area where accident occurred from RAIB report

Of the 60 people on board the tram, seven people were killed and 51 were taken to hospital. Of these, eight suffered serious or life-threatening injuries.

The report adds that the right side of the tram, which made contact with the ground, was severely damaged, and there was damage to the track and lineside equipment around the accident.  

From Monday: Croydon tram crash: Tributes paid to seven victims officially named after tragedy

Although the RAIB have not yet been able to undertake a detailed examination of the tram, the initial investigation has not indicated any problems with the tram's braking system. 

The report says that some braking was applied, but not full brakes and only enough to reduce the tram's speed from 50mph (80 km/h) to 43.5 mph (70 km/h). 

From Thursday: Croydon tram crash: Tram driver from Beckenham released on police bail

The report says that it was dark and heavily raining just after 6am on Wednesday, November 9, when the crash happened. 

The CCTV cameras on board the tram were not working at the time of the accident. 

The RAIB has issued urgent safety advice to Tram Operations Ltd and London Trams, saying: ‘The factors that led to the over-speeding are still under investigation.

'Until these factors are better understood, and before the junction re-opens to passenger operation, the RAIB advises London Trams and Tram Operations Ltd to jointly take measures to reduce the risk of trams approaching Sandilands Junction from the direction of New Addington at an excessive speed.

From Friday: Croydon tram crash: Tram almost 'came off the tracks' at Sandilands Junction one week before fatal crash

'Options for consideration should include the imposition of a further speed restriction before the start of the existing 20 km/h speed restriction around the curve and/ or additional operational signs.’

The RAIB will continue to investigate what caused the crash, and said it will be contacting the families of people who lost their lives, those who were injured and anyone else who was onboard. 

It's future investigation will include the sequence of events  before, during and after the accident, how the tram was being driven, the design and condition of the infrastructure on the route, how people were injured and any previous incidents of speeding at the Sandilands Junction. 

The tram's driver, Alfred Dorris, 42, from Beckenham, was arrested at the scene and was questioned on suspicion of manslaughter before being bailed until May.

To read the full report click here.

The RAIB are still appealing for witnesses to the crash. If you were on the tram, or have any other information, click here.