UNITED IN GRIEF

potential victims of the smash are still feared to be missing.

The tram was taken from the accident scene yesterday and the driver was named as Alfred Dorris, 42, of Beckenham, South London.

A spokesman for First Group, which operates the tram, said: “We can confirm that Alfred Dorris has worked for us since March 2008.

“Given the ongoing investigation, we don’t have anything further to add at this point.”

A source close to the probe said it is believed the driver blacked out and fell on an accelerator. He was given a routine test for drugs and alcohol following his arrest. A fellow driver said: “He didn’t drink and was a well-respected member of the team.

“There’s no truth in the suggestion he fell asleep. He says he blacked out.

“The safety features in the cab mean the tram slows down if you let go of it for three seconds but he fell on it.”

Meanwhile, tens of millions of pounds in compensation payments could be due.

Helen Clifford, head of personal injury at MW Solicitors, is supporting one of the crash victims.

She said: “Every single person who has been involved in this tragedy is going to have some degree of psychological injury and for a lot of people that will be more severe than the physical effects.

“You cannot be involved in something like this and not have long-term problems. Everybody has their own level of resilience.

“Anyone with serious injuries is going to face long-term treatment and for some this incident will end their careers.”