Commuter Faces Narrow Escape After Being Knocked Off His Feet by Incoming Train at London Blackfriars Station as Safety Warnings Increase Across the UK

A recent heart-stopping incident at London Blackfriars station highlights the importance of staying safe around train platforms.

Shocking CCTV footage released by Govia Thameslink shows a man standing too close to the edge of the platform, well beyond the yellow safety line.

As a train approaches, he is knocked off his feet and nearly swept onto the tracks.

Miraculously, the train only clips his feet, spinning him around.

Passengers nearby rush to his aid, and the footage ends abruptly, leaving viewers on edge.

Increased Safety Warnings Over Festive Period

This incident comes at a time when commuters across the UK are being urged to exercise extra caution, especially during the busy festive season.

With a rise in train travel compared to last year, and a 36% increase in passenger numbers since December 12, safety remains a top concern.

Thameslink, which operates the UK’s largest rail network, reports that accidents, including slips, trips, and falls, have risen during this period, with intoxication often playing a role.

London Victoria, which saw a staggering 50 million passengers pass through its barriers last year, along with Gatwick Airport, have reported some of the highest numbers of injuries.

However, Stevenage station in Hertfordshire has been flagged as the most dangerous for accidents.

Health and Safety Director’s Warning

Samantha Facey, Health, Safety, and Security Director at Thameslink and Great Northern, is calling on passengers to take responsibility for their safety.

“We’re already seeing a higher volume of passengers due to the festive season, and while our staff are there to assist, it’s important that individuals do their part,” Facey said.

She emphasized the importance of staying behind the yellow safety line and giving oneself enough time to travel to avoid the need to rush for a train.

“Last winter, we had over 150 incidents involving slips, trips, and falls, which can be incredibly dangerous,” she added.

Following simple steps like leaving extra time for travel and maintaining a safe distance from the tracks can help ensure a safer journey this Christmas.

Former Home Secretary’s Close Call

The recent warnings echo the accident involving former Home Secretary David Blunkett, who fell into the platform gap while attempting to board a District Line train.

Blunkett, who is blind, was severely injured and required hospital treatment for his legs, which were bruised and grazed.

Blunkett described the incident as “excruciating,” and he has since called on Transport for London (TfL) to address platform safety issues.

He specifically urges TfL to fill wider platform gaps and ensure that help is available during busy periods, particularly for those with disabilities.

Blunkett pointed out that some platforms are “death traps,” with large gaps between the platform and train, which pose a serious risk to passengers, especially those with visual impairments.

Alarming Near Misses at Level Crossings

Meanwhile, Network Rail has issued a public warning about safety at level crossings, sharing a chilling compilation of incidents where people narrowly escaped being hit by trains.

One clip shows a young couple walking across a track with a lowered safety barrier, only realizing the train is coming just in time to sprint across with mere seconds to spare.

Another video features a cyclist who, attempting to cross as the barrier lowers, crashes into an oncoming biker.

In a separate clip, a dog walker tries to cross a rural track, but his dog resists.

As he spots the incoming train, he turns back just in time.

Other footage highlights a lorry getting caught by a lowered barrier, dragging it along the track, and a group of people recklessly clinging to barriers as they go up and down.

These incidents underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and caution at both train stations and level crossings, where a split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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