London: Lord Blunkett is calling for changes to tube platforms after he fell into the gap while trying to board a train. The Labour peer, who is blind, was with his guide dog when the accident happened three weeks ago.
After the fall, an X-ray showed he had serious bruising on his legs. He described the moment he fell, saying he felt his feet slipping into the gap. He ended up face down on the train floor, in a lot of pain.
He explained that he didn’t fully understand what had happened at first. His legs were scraped and bruised, causing him great discomfort. This incident is particularly concerning for him, as he is on blood thinners after a recent heart attack, which makes injuries more dangerous.
Lord Blunkett pointed out that while there are announcements to "mind the gap," there are often no staff available to assist people like him who cannot see. He is urging Transport for London (TfL) to fill the gaps on the platforms and ensure staff are present, especially during busy times.
He described some platforms as "death traps," emphasizing that the gaps are unsafe for everyone, especially blind individuals. He plans to meet with TfL to discuss safety measures and to review the busiest tube stations.
Nick Dent, who oversees customer operations for London Underground, expressed regret about Lord Blunkett’s injury. He stated that they are committed to improving safety and will meet with him to learn from this incident. They aim to prevent similar accidents in the future and ensure safer travel for all.
Image Credit: metro.co.uk