Investigation Underway After Passenger Trapped on Moving Train in West London

 

An investigation has been launched following a disturbing incident in which a rail passenger was forced to run alongside a moving Elizabeth line train with his hand trapped in the doors. The incident occurred just after midnight on December 24 at Ealing Broadway station in west London. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) confirmed that the passenger’s hand became caught in the door as the train began to depart, causing him to be dragged for several metres along the platform.

The terrified passenger was only saved when a railway staff member, who was working on the platform, pulled him away from the train. Meanwhile, nearby passengers alerted the driver, prompting the train to stop after it had moved approximately 17 metres. The passenger suffered minor injuries, according to the RAIB.

This “trap and drag” incident is the latest in a series of similar occurrences on the UK rail network, including previous incidents in Enfield Town (north London), Seven Sisters (north London), Bushey (Hertfordshire), and Newcastle Central. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of passengers boarding and alighting from trains, particularly the risks associated with train doors.

The RAIB is now investigating the factors that may have influenced the actions of those involved, and how the safety protocols for boarding and alighting passengers on the Elizabeth line can be improved. The findings of the investigation will be shared, along with any safety recommendations that may emerge.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Transport for London (TfL) expressed regret over the distress caused to the passenger and assured the public that safety remains the top priority. The spokesperson noted that MTR Elizabeth line, the operator of the service, is conducting its own thorough investigation in cooperation with the RAIB. They further emphasized that while serious injuries on the network are rare, efforts to improve operational safety and prevent such incidents will continue.

The investigation aims to determine the root cause of the incident and identify measures to prevent similar events from occurring in the future, ultimately improving safety for all passengers using the Elizabeth line.