Inquiry Launched After Passenger’s Hand Trapped in Elizabeth Line Train Doors

Authorities have initiated an inquiry following an incident where a passenger’s hand was caught in the closing doors of an Elizabeth line train departing London’s Ealing Broadway station. This event, occurring on 24 November, involved the individual being compelled to run alongside the moving train until a staff member present on the platform successfully released them. Other passengers notified the driver of the situation, leading to the train halting after traveling approximately 17m (56 ft). Reports indicate the passenger sustained minor injuries. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) announced its intention to examine the circumstances of the event. Transport for London (TfL) conveyed its regret that the customer “experienced this distressing incident”. The RAIB specified that its inquiry would encompass the conduct of individuals involved and the existing protocols for managing and mitigating risks related to passengers boarding and disembarking Elizabeth line trains. A spokesperson for TfL confirmed that MTR-Elizabeth line, the service operator, is presently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which occurred shortly after midnight. The spokesperson stated: “We will always strive to learn from incidents and improve operational safety.” They added that MTR-Elizabeth line is providing full cooperation to the RAIB to ascertain the fundamental cause of this occurrence, with the aim of identifying measures to prevent similar future events and disseminate insights across the industry. “While serious injuries on our network are rare, we are undertaking a huge range of work aimed eradicating such incidents and making travelling even safer for everyone.” In June 2023, the RAIB conducted an investigation following two separate instances where individuals were pulled along London Underground platforms by trains after their coats became entangled in the train doors. These events took place at Archway and Chalk Farm stations, both on the Northern line. The individual involved in the Archway incident sustained serious injuries after being dragged approximately 2m (6.5ft) along the platform when their coat became caught in the doors of a northbound Northern line train. In its report concerning these incidents, the RAIB advised London Underground to explore methods for diminishing the likelihood of a passenger becoming trapped and subsequently dragged by a departing train. Potential solutions mentioned included technology capable of detecting thin items, such as fingers, straps, or clothing, caught in train doors, as well as identifying when an object is being dragged by a moving train. The report further suggested that Tube management should contemplate altering door seals to facilitate the easier release of small, trapped items like clothing and straps from closed doors. Additionally, the board recommended that London Underground assess the existing minimum automatic train dwell times to ascertain whether passengers are afforded adequate time for safe boarding and alighting. TfL informed BBC London that it is implementing measures to foster improvements aimed at reducing risks in this domain, encompassing modifications to infrastructure, technological enhancements, and increased training for station personnel and train operators. It also stated that it is formulating plans to pilot new technology to further mitigate risks and is engaging with other metro and rail operators both within the UK and internationally to exchange information on risk management strategies. Prior concerns have been articulated regarding passenger safety on the Elizabeth line at Ealing Broadway, specifically concerning the gap between the platform and the train. In July, the Mayor of London issued an apology to several Elizabeth line passengers who had sustained serious injuries while using trains at the station, stating that efforts were underway to rectify the significant gap. Three passengers conveyed to BBC London that they had been injured while utilizing the service at Ealing Broadway station due to the excessive gap between the platform and the trains. Sadiq Khan expressed that he was “shocked” upon reviewing BBC London’s reports of the injured individuals, further remarking: “I’m really sorry. You should not be injured going about your daily business.” Concurrently, both TfL and Network Rail stated they were “sorry” that some passengers had suffered injuries and affirmed that safety was their “priority”. The Elizabeth line, a project costing £18.8bn, commenced operations in May 2022, connecting Reading and Essex through central London.