Passenger Forced to Run Along London Platform with Hand Trapped in Doors of Moving Train

A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
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Passenger Forced to Run Along London Platform with Hand Trapped in Doors of Moving Train

A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA

An investigation has been launched after a rail passenger was forced to run several metres along the platform with his hand trapped inside the doors of a moving train in west London.

The passenger, who was trying to board an Elizabeth line service just after midnight, had his hand caught in the door as it began to depart, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said on 24 December, The Guardian reported.

He was then forced to run alongside the moving train for several metres until a member of railway staff who was working on the platform at Ealing Broadway station pulled him away.

Nearby passengers alerted the driver and the train stopped after moving about 17 metres. The passenger is reported to have sustained minor injuries, the RAIB confirmed.

The “trap and drag” incident, which took place on 24 November at about 12.07am, is the latest case of a rail passenger having to run alongside trains with their hand or arm trapped in doors at stations. Previous incidents took place at Enfield Town, north London, in July; Seven Sisters, north London, in June 2022; Bushey, Hertfordshire, in March 2018; and Newcastle Central in 2013.

The RAIB investigation will consider factors such as if anything influenced the actions of those involved, and how risks associated with passengers boarding and alighting Elizabeth line trains are managed. It will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety.

Elizabeth line services are operated by MTR Elizabeth line under a concession from Transport for London.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that our customer experienced this distressing incident. Safety is our top priority and our operator, MTR Elizabeth line, is currently carrying out a thorough investigation.

“We will always strive to learn from incidents and improve operational safety. MTR Elizabeth line is fully co-operating with the RAIB to establish the root cause of this incident to determine what steps they can take to avoid any further events of this nature and to share learnings with the industry.

“While serious injuries on our network are rare, we are undertaking a huge range of work aimed at eradicating such incidents and making travelling even safer for everyone.”



Bird Flu Virus Shows Mutations in First Severe Human Case in US, CDC Says

Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Bird Flu Virus Shows Mutations in First Severe Human Case in US, CDC Says

Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Fest tube is seen labelled "Bird Flu" in front of US flag in this illustration taken, June 10, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday its analysis of samples from the first severe case of bird flu in the country last week showed mutations not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock on the patient's property.

The CDC said the patient's sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, the part of the virus that plays a key role in it attaching to host cells.

The health body said the risk to the general public from the outbreak has not changed and remains low, according to Reuters.

Last week, the United States reported its first severe case of the virus, in a Louisiana resident above the age of 65, who was suffering from severe respiratory illness.

The patient was infected with the D1.1 genotype of the virus that was recently detected in wild birds and poultry in the United States, and not the B3.13 genotype detected in dairy cows, human cases and some poultry in multiple states.

The mutations seen in the patient are rare but have been reported in some cases in other countries and most often during severe infections. One of the mutations was also seen in another severe case from British Columbia, Canada.

No transmission from the patient in Louisiana to other persons has been identified, said the CDC.