TfL conducts internal investigation after death of passenger at Stratford station

Transport for London has conducted its own internal review after a man died at Stratford station.

The passenger was killed on December 26, 2023, after galling from the platform, where they lay unnoticed for around five minutes before being struck by an incoming Jubilee Line train.

Several more trains also passed the location where they lay before being found.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) highlighted concerns about operator distraction and found the repetitive nature of automated train operation can lead to “underload” (a period where a driver’s workload is low) diminishing the attentional capacity of a train operator. Investigators said this was an underlying factor in the incident.

TfL said it “welcomed” RAIB’s recommendations and had conducted its own internal investigation into the incident which “aligned with the findings made by investigators.

TfL Chief Safety Officer Lilli Matson added: “We will always strive to learn from incidents and improve operational safety - including by ensuring relevant regulatory bodies are immediately informed, carrying out thorough and extensive internal investigations, and prioritising taking action on any recommendations from any review.”

As part of the investigation, RAIB inspectors observed 34 trains arriving at Platforms 13, 14 and 15 at Stratford station. Their research showed that as the trains entered the platforms, ten operators remained seated, and 21 were standing (which is permitted currently). However, three operators were putting on coats or a backpack, and one was standing at the cab door away from the controls.

However, the report notes that CCTV footage of the drivers involved was inconclusive as to where they were looking when making their approaches to the station platform.

Furthermore, the investigation found that some train operators begin preparing to leave the station before their train has fully stopped, potentially diverting their focus from safety-critical tasks. While London Underground had assessed the risk of such incidents, the implemented safety measures were deemed insufficient by RAIB.

Partly in response to the incident at Stratford station, TfL has begun using AI technology to help keep passengers safe on platforms.

At Custom House, the experimental technology uses security camera footage and a visual recognition system that rapidly detects and identifies objects on the rails (RAIL 1026).

The detected objects could include people jumping onto the tracks, either on purpose or by accident. The system then alerts control centre staff if they need to intervene.