Passengers risked serious injury following several malfunctions of a busy rush-hour train stranded in a tunnel outside King’s Cross.
Having been stuck for more than two hours in rising temperatures, some passengers used the emergency opening mechanism to climb out of the doors, only for the train to start moving again.
When the commuters climbed back inside the train, they were horrified to see that for the remaining mile of their journey, three sets of doors were left “fully open”. Rail safety chiefs today initiated a widespread investigation into the incident.
The Brighton to Bedford First Capital Connect service had more than 500 passengers on board, many of whom were standing. The train broke down at 6pm, right in the middle of rush-hour, with two of the carriages still in the tunnel.
Due to problem with the overhead power cables, lights and ventilation system shut down leading to rapidly rising temperatures. Commuters had to wait two hours before another train was brought to move the stationary carriages.
By the time the other train arrived some passengers had already exited the train by using the emergency release handles.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reports: “The train began to move at 9.03pm but this movement was immediately stopped because passengers were getting out on to the railway from the carriages within the tunnel.”
Commuters were ushered back onto the train and it finally started making its way toward Kentish Town. However, as RAIB reported, “three sets of doors towards the rear of the train still fully open,” Although the incident occurred on May 26th, details of the incident have only just come to light.
A First Capital Connect spokesperson said: “We are fully supporting the RAIB investigation and have commissioned an independent investigation into this incident as well. This will be made available to passengers.”
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