Passenger accident at Hayes and Harlington station
Investigation into a passenger trapped in train doors and dragged along the platform at Hayes and Harlington station, 25 July 2015
Image showing train and platform at Hayes and Harlington station
At approximately 13:10 hrs, the 11.37 hrs Oxford to London Paddington service departed from platform 4 with a passenger trapped by her hand in the last door of the three-coach train. The passenger was dragged for a distance of approximately 8 to 10 metres before falling to the ground; during the fall her hand became free. The passenger subsequently reported bruises to her hand and head to a member of staff at the station.
The driver was the only member of staff on the train and no staff were present on the platform; the driver was responsible for dispatching the train. For this task, he was aided by CCTV cameras which provided him with a view of the train on platform-mounted monitors alongside his cab. The driver’s duties included checking the monitors before he closed the doors, and again before the train moved off, to ensure that both actions could be performed safely.
Our investigation will examine the sequence of events before, during and after the accident, in particular:
- the actions of the individuals involved
- the performance of the train and station equipment
- the investigation and reporting of the accident (the RAIB was made aware of the accident during week commencing 24 August 2015)
It will also examine any relevant management issues.
We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the accident at Hayes and Harlington station. Please contact us via our email address if you have any information relating to the accident.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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