Trap and drag accidents at Archway and Chalk Farm London Underground stations
Investigation into trap and drag accidents at Archway on 18 February 2023 and Chalk Farm on 20 April 2023, on London Underground’s Northern line.
The platforms involved at Archway (left) and Chalk Farm (right) (courtesy of London Underground Ltd).
At around 15:50 hrs on 18 February 2023, a passenger’s coat became trapped in the doors of a northbound Northern line train at Archway station. As the train departed, the passenger was dragged for approximately two metres, until their coat came free from the door. The passenger and their companion both fell to the ground during the accident, with the passenger sustaining a serious injury. The train stopped after it had travelled for about 20 metres.
At around 23:00 hrs on 20 April 2023, a second passenger’s coat became trapped in the doors of a southbound Northern line train at Chalk Farm station. This passenger was dragged for just under 20 metres, until their coat became free of the doors. The passenger fell onto the platform during the accident and sustained minor injuries. The train did not stop and continued on its journey.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequences of events which led to the accidents. It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with passengers boarding and alighting from trains on the London Underground
- London Underground’s post-incident management of platform-train interface accidents
- any underlying management factors
The investigation report into these accidents is currently being drafted and will be published after a formal consultation period. Publication of the final investigation report is expected to be later in the spring.
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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