Doesn’t matter how serious a panic attack or similar episode someone has, forcing the doors of a train against the instructions of a traincrew is an incredibly selfish act which puts others at risk. It should be a criminal offence.
Passengers don’t listen to our requests not to smoke, vape, play music full volume, block exits, fill wheelchair spaces with bags, not swear, not fight. Therefore it’s to be expected that they won’t listen to our requests not to de-train.
I had a gentleman who kept threatening to self evacuate and watched him on the camera figuring out how to open the door so shouted down the PA to him to stay onboard, there’s a danger of severe injury or death. I was met at the platform on arrival and had some drunken railway worker scream at me for using the word ‘death‘ on the railways as it can be triggering. In the politest way possible I told him where to go, explaining that my job is to protect people’s safety, not people’s feelings.
Anyway, back on topic. If people want to self evacuate they will. A 5’2”, 8st4 train manager isn’t going to be able to physically stop someone. The law isn’t going to stop them. Which is why we need to either get things moving more quickly, better communications or better contingencies. Last night was a bad situation, the failed 225 on a match day was a very bad situation and as mentioned, impromptu sleeper trains seem to be more common.
Law and order is breaking down fast in the UK and people know that they can do pretty much as they want. I say this as I wish to avoid it however I can see a group self evacuating onto a line and being taken out. What would the enquiry say about a thunderbird just a few KM away, capable of towing the train were just sitting there doing nothing?
Onboard tensions also rise and there’s a threat of antisocial behaviour, fighting, attacking the crew etc etc.
