ONE of the borough's best-known restaurateurs, who was injured in a collision between a tram and a car, has told the Advertiser: "I should be in a wheelchair."
Antonio Zaidi was in the passenger seat of a vehicle that collided with a tram in Lodge Lane, New Addington, on Sunday afternoon.
Five people – four on the tram and the driver of the car – were hurt in the crash, which happened at about 2.30pm.
Mr Zaidi, known in the town for running the Mamma Mia restaurants in St George's Walk and, until recently, Purley, was not seriously injured.
But his friend, who was driving the car, had to be flown to hospital.
He has called for a review of the traffic lights at the junction with King Henry's Drive, following the crash.
Mr Zaidi said: "When we went across the road the lights were green. We looked and the tram was 250 yards away, it seemed fine. We went through and, before I knew it, a bright white light was there.
"I have never been more terrified. Since then I have been very scared. Every time I see someone in a wheelchair I think that could have been me.
"We could have died, we were very lucky."
The air ambulance was called to the scene and the driver had to be cut from the car while four people from the tram were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Mr Zaidi added: "I want to complain to the police because we have told them the light was green. They have said they need witnesses, but there were loads of witnesses.
"I have a business to run, I don't have time for this right now but as soon as Christmas is over I am going to sort it out.
"It was petrifying. I have two daughters, imagine if I had died; we were very lucky."
A TfL spokesman said: "All aspects that may have contributed to the cause of the accident are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage."
