Man's body undiscovered in Tube station for seven hours

A man who died at a Tube station lay undiscovered for seven hours.

Bernard Ovu, 35, is believed to have become trapped in an emergency stairwell at Canning Town station after mistakenly going through a staff-only door that then closed behind him.

See also: Girl, 3, falls between platform and Tube train

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According to the Standard, he reportedly tried to find a way out for around an hour before falling and hitting his head on a concrete step.

He was then discovered around seven hours later, at 9.30am on 22 January.

Bernard's family are now seeking answers has to how it all happened. He was born in Aberdeen to Nigerian parents, and moved to London in 2001 to live with his aunt and uncle, who thought of him as a son.

It is believed that an alarm went off when he went through the emergency door, so questions are being raised as to why nobody apparently followed this up.

He was the eldest of three brothers, and his family said they were 'paralysed' by his loss.

Mr Ovu worked as an IT expert at the Bar Council and was said to have a "bright future" ahead of him.

An inquest was opened at Walthamstow Coroners' Court this week.

Speaking to the Newham Recorder, Steve Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer for London Underground, said: "Following the tragic death of Mr Ovu at Canning Town station our thoughts are with his family and friends.

"An investigation is now underway, by the British Transport Police, and we are offering them every assistance."


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