At around 0952 on 1 July 2025, a train operated by Arriva Rail London departed Norwood Junction station with a manual access ramp still attached to it. These ramps are used to facilitate boarding and alighting for mobility scooters and wheelchairs and should be removed before trains depart.
The access ramp involved had been attached at a doorway by platform staff to assist a passenger in a mobility scooter, who was planning to board the train. The driver of the train was not aware that the access ramp was attached when they closed the doors, and the train departed with it still attached. No one was on the ramp as the train started to move.
The access ramp was dragged along the platform where two members of staff and a member of the public took action to avoid it. After around 160 metres, the ramp struck a fence at the end of the platform and fell away from the train. Platform staff alerted the signaller of the incident, and the train was taken out of service at New Cross Gate. No injuries were caused to staff or passengers during the incident, although damage was caused to the access ramp.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the incident. It will also consider
- the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
- the management of the staff involved, including their training and competence
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with the provision and use of manual access ramps
- any underlying management factors.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.
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