Pensioner 'could have died' after falling between train and platform

Pensioner 'could have died' after falling between train and platform
Pensioner 'could have died' after falling between train and platform



A pensioner is calling for safety improvements after falling between a train and the platform at East Croydon station.

Louisa Spivack, 68, feared she "could have died" when she fell in the gap while getting off a carriage on a service from London Victoria. She was with her husband and the pair were travelling to meet their autistic son.

She suffered severe bruising and a dislocated finger.

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Speaking to the Croydon Guardian, she said: "I was shocked, I couldn't believe it. I didn't panic fortunately because help came very quickly.

"The carriage was not parallel in any way and there was a huge gap.

"I had a thick coat on which might have stopped me going further, but I don't like to think about what could have happened."

Pensioner 'could have died' after falling between train and platform
Pensioner 'could have died' after falling between train and platform



She said it wouldn't be long before there's a fatality, adding: "I want those platforms brought up to date to cope with a modern train. If it happened to me it could happen to anyone - next time someone might fall further.

"Southern have spent a lot of money updating the walkways, but they haven't done anything to deal with the longer trains. The platforms are not able to cope with them."

According to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Southern Rail said: "The incident is currently being investigated by our safety department. We are in touch with Ms Spivack and will continue to do so until the matter is resolved.

"In the meantime, Network Rail is carrying out a programme of work on platforms 1 and 2 at the station which will raise the platform surfaces, making the gap between the train and the platform smaller."




Man Falls Between Platform and Train at Manchester Piccadilly Station
Man Falls Between Platform and Train at Manchester Piccadilly Station

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