A passenger was trapped in the doors of an Elizabeth line train at Ealing Broadway station, prompting an investigation into safety concerns surrounding automatic doors. The incident is part of a growing series of incidents highlighting the need for improvement in passenger safety on the Elizabeth line.
A passenger’s hand became trapped in the doors of an Elizabeth line train at Ealing Broadway station on November 24. The incident occurred when the train was leaving the platform, and the passenger had to run alongside the train before being freed by a member of staff.
An investigation has been launched by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which will examine the actions of those involved and the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with passengers getting on and off Elizabeth line trains.
The incident is the latest in a series of safety concerns raised about the Elizabeth line, particularly at Ealing Broadway station. The gap between the platform and the train has been criticized as too large, leading to reports of passengers being injured when their clothing or straps get caught in the train doors.
TfL and Network Rail have apologized for the incident and said they are taking steps to improve safety on the Elizabeth line. The RAIB will consider recommendations made after a similar incident occurred at Archway station in June 2023, where two people were dragged along platforms by trains when their coats got stuck in the door.
The RAIB has recommended that London Underground should look into reducing the risk of passengers becoming trapped and dragged along by departing trains. This could include technology that can detect when thin objects become trapped in train doors or modifying door seals to make it easier for small objects to be pulled free.
TfL is developing plans to trial technology to help reduce risks and is talking to other metros and rail operators worldwide to share how they manage risks. The mayor of London has apologized to several Elizabeth line passengers who were seriously injured using trains at the station, and work is being done to address concerns about the high gap between the platform and the train.
The incident highlights the ongoing need for improvement in passenger safety on the Elizabeth line, particularly at Ealing Broadway station.
