Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett blasts London Underground ‘death trap’ after falling into gap at tube station

Former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett has spoken out against the London Underground, labelling it a ‘death trap’ after he fell into a gap at a tube station. Lord Blunkett, who is visually impaired, urged Transport for London to take more action to ensure the safety of visually impaired individuals. Three weeks ago, while trying to board a District Line train at Westminster station with his guide dog, Lord Blunkett’s feet slipped, causing him to fall into the gap between the platform and the train.

The former Labour peer described the incident as he felt his feet disappear into the gap and his body being propelled forward onto the carriage floor, resulting in bruises and grazing on his legs. Lord Blunkett, who recently suffered a heart attack and now takes blood thinners, expressed anger over the lack of assistance for visually impaired individuals at tube stations. He highlighted the need for staff members to be present to offer help, especially during busy periods.

Lord Blunkett is advocating for TfL to address the wide platform gaps, implement safety measures, and ensure there is always assistance available, particularly during peak hours. He criticised the current state of some tube platforms as ‘death traps’ and stressed the urgency of reviewing safety measures at the busiest stations. In response to the incident, Nick Dent, the director of customer operations at London Underground, expressed regret over Lord Blunkett’s injuries and assured that lessons would be learned to enhance customer and staff safety.

Lord Blunkett is scheduled to meet with TfL to seek answers and push for immediate action to improve safety standards across tube stations. The safety of passengers and staff remains a top priority for London Underground, with ongoing efforts to prevent similar incidents and enhance the overall travel experience. Lord Blunkett’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and the need for inclusive and safe public transportation systems.

In conclusion, it is crucial for transportation authorities to prioritise accessibility and safety for all passengers, including those with disabilities. Lord Blunkett’s account serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures to prevent accidents and ensure a secure environment for everyone using public transport systems. By addressing gaps in platform safety and providing adequate support for vulnerable individuals, the London Underground can create a more inclusive and secure travel experience for all.