Shocking CCTV footage has captured the moment a rail passenger was dragged to the ground by a moving train at London’s Blackfriars station.
The video, released by Govia Thameslink railway, shows a man being knocked down after standing dangerously close to the platform edge.
The incident has prompted train operators to issue urgent safety warnings to Christmas travellers amid concerns over a spike in accidents during the festive period.
The passenger was left just centimetres away from the railway track before fellow commuters rushed to his aid.
A man is seen being almost dragged to his death
Govia Thameslink railway
The man was seen standing well beyond the yellow safety line on the platform as a train approached the station.
As the train pulled in, he was knocked off his feet by the arriving carriage and dragged along the platform.
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The man was way beyond the yellow line passengers are urged not to cross until safe to do so
Govia Thameslink Railway
The passenger’s feet were pulled underneath the train during the incident, though he managed to avoid being fully dragged under.
Several fellow passengers immediately came to the man’s assistance after the frightening incident.
The footage was released by Thameslink as part of a safety campaign, with the operator noting that London Victoria and Gatwick Airport stations have recorded the highest number of injuries.
Samantha Facey, Health Safety & Security Director at Thameslink and Great Northern, said: “We’re already seeing a higher volume of passengers due to the festive season, and whilst our staff on the ground are there to help, it’s important people are doing their bit to keep themselves safe.”
London Blackfriars is one of the capital’s most popular stations
PA
She revealed that over 150 incidents of slips, trips and falls occurred on the network last winter.
“Please leave plenty of time to travel so you don’t need to run for a train and always stay behind the yellow safety line to protect yourselves and other travellers,” she added.
Train operators say incidents tend to spike during the busy festive period, particularly among infrequent rail users visiting friends or family.
Train operators have issued joint guidance urging passengers to avoid distractions such as mobile phones when near platform edges.
Travellers are advised to hold children’s hands and keep luggage and pushchairs secure to prevent accidental slips.
Safety bosses are particularly focused on spreading their message to young children, families and infrequent travellers who may be less familiar with rail safety rules.
Passengers are reminded to wait for trains to come to a complete stop before approaching the doors.
The safety campaign comes as this winter has seen the highest number of passengers since before the pandemic.
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