David Blunkett has called for ‘urgent action’ after number of people falling through gap at Tube stations has soared
DAVID Blunkett has called for “urgent action” after figures showed the number of people falling through the gap at Tube stations has soared.
The blind former Home Secretary was hospitalised after he slipped between the platform and the carriage at Westminster.
Shocking new stats obtained by The Sun reveal similar incidents across the Underground rose from 186 in 2021 to 247 in 2023.
In total, more than 600 users have fallen through the gap during the three year period – with Baker Street responsible for the most.
Lord Blunkett, 77, said he hoped the alarming 30 per cent hike would put pressure on Transport for London (TfL) to act.
He said: “It is clear urgent action is needed.
“I am awaiting answers to 16 questions that I put to TfL.
“But I hope that the publicity and exposure that is now being given will actually energise the drive to invest in safety.”
The Labour peer demanded safety improvements after he was hurt in November.
He criticised the safety of stations for blind people – labelling them “death traps” – and demanded TfL do more to protect them.
Lord Blunkett said: “Some of our platforms are death traps.
“The gap between the walkway and train is huge and they are unsafe for everyone, but particularly for blind people.
“How many others have fallen and been seriously injured because of the gap?
“It is not good enough to simply say ‘mind the gap’ and not give any help. We need action now to avoid preventable injury or worse.”
The majority of victims who fell through the gap escaped unhurt but some have been left with life-changing injuries.
PR executive Sarah de Lagarde lost her right arm and leg after being hit by two Tube trains when she slipped in the gap at High Barnet station in 2022.
The 46-year-old, who is now taking legal action against TfL, said: “There were no staff on that platform, and no-one was watching CCTV.
“No-one had responded to my screams for help.
“Twenty-two tonnes of steel crushed my limbs, and, if that wasn’t bad enough, I remained on the tracks undetected until the second train came into the station, crushing me for a second time.”
The figures, released by TfL, show Baker Street was the worst station for people falling through the gap with 186 incidents.
Victoria and Waterloo followed with 27, ahead of Stratford (22), Farringdon (20), Embankment (17) and Westminster (14).
It is claimed the newer S-stock trains – built to be level with the platform in a bid to improve wheelchair access – have made things worse.
Critics claim the trains have widened the gap at stations with curved platforms, including Baker Street.
A TikTok video showing the size of the gap at Bank station on the Central Line went viral after it was filmed by a shocked Tube passenger.
Thomas Jervis, partner at law firm Leigh Day, who represents Ms de Lagarde said: “One of TfL’s stock phrases is that ‘safety is their number one priority’.
“If that is right, it begs the question whether they think these alarming statistics are acceptable. If not, what are they going to do about it?”
Nick Dent, London Underground’s Director of Customer Operations, said: “We were extremely sorry that Lord Blunkett was injured on our network.
“We have met with him to discuss how we could have managed the incident better and to ensure that lessons are learned.
“The safety of our customers and staff is at the forefront of everything we do, and while injuries like the one experienced by Lord Blunkett are rare, we are undertaking a huge range of work aimed at eradicating such incidents.”