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Passengers locked inside Hartlepool station

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TUC

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It is being reported on social media that passengers were locked inside Hartlepool station last night due to the ‘key holder’ locking the station up early.

‘Passengers Locked Inside Hartlepool Station After Key Holder Shuts Up Early

Passengers returning from an evening out in Newcastle were left frightened on Monday night after finding themselves locked inside Hartlepool Train Station when the key holder closed the building early without checking the time of the final train.

According to those involved, the Northern Rail service was running approximately 30 minutes later than usual, which may have led to the confusion. But questions were raised as to why the key holder didn’t check if the last train had been.

One passenger reported that her teenage daughters, who were waiting on the platform for her arrival, approached the male key holder to ask how their mother would be able to exit the station when he was locking up.

However, the key holder reportedly offered no response and proceeded to secure the building, leaving passengers trapped inside as the station lights suddenly went out. He later asked why they didn’t tell him.

Those stuck inside described the situation as “distressing,” especially when the lights went out, though they praised the Northern Rail driver and conductor who remained with them throughout the ordeal. The incident lasted for around 45 minutes before the group was finally able to leave. One passenger contacted British Transport Police and Northern staff contacted their office.

Northern Rail has been contacted for comment.’
 

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abr2024

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There’s an emergency exit on the east-most platform by KFC, so they weren’t trapped at all.
 

TUC

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"On social media" isn't a verifiable source.
I put a photo of the source in terms of the Facebook article within my post. The 'Incidents on Teesside and County Durham' Facebook page reproduces articles from other local media. In this case unfortunately it did not give the original source this was taken from. However, it appeared to have sufficient detail to be credible.
 

Mcr Warrior

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Where was the trains final destination?
Looks from the link that @tumbledown has kindly provided that Hartlepool was the final destination (for the delayed 2107 train originating from Carlisle, arriving Hartlepool at 0003, some 29 mins late), before it set off (further delayed) some 33 mins later, as an ECS movement to Heaton depot.
 

Twingo37175

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Looks from the link that @tumbledown has kindly provided that Hartlepool was the final destination (for the delayed 2107 train originating from Carlisle, arriving Hartlepool at 0003, some 29 mins late), before it set off (further delayed) some 33 mins later, as an ECS movement to Heaton depot.
The timing then alludes to the fact of the train crew assisting the passengers in getting out from the station.
 

TUC

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If you know it is there.
How well publicised in stations are such emergency exits? I would have thought that being able to readily find them would be a a key safety feature.
 
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DarloRich

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Poor people. imagine being held in Hartlepool against your will.

Seriously - surely there is a fire exit or something. I would just be popping it open and walking out
 

D1511

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Local rumours suggest it was a monkey that locked the station........ ;)
 

Jim James

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How well publicised in stations are such emergency exits? I would have thought that being able to readily find them would be a a key safety feature.
Stations at least in theory are subject to the same regulations as other buildings the Emergency exits should be clearly marked and signed with the usual green signage
 

fandroid

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Screenshot_20251203-093057.png
(Picture attached of a typical universal green Fire Exit sign with a running man and a direction arrow)


Most people don't notice these, but they're there for just such occasions.

Last time I followed them was to get out of a Polish hospital!

Edited to include a description of the Fire Exit sign
 
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pdeaves

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Stations at least in theory are subject to the same regulations as other buildings the Emergency exits should be clearly marked and signed with the usual green signage
I don't know the details of this case. However, it would be no surprise to me if the exit was marked but people just didn't look or see the signs. Not because they are hidden but because a station is generally a different shape and layout to an office block or shopping arcade so things are in a different place than where expected.
 

tarabomp

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I remember reading a thread from a few years ago which suggested fire exits get locked at the end of the day as well, I don't know if things have changed since then
 

Djgr

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Life would be so much easier if it wasn't for these pesky passengers
 

Russel

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Again on here, a TOC has made a balls up and rather than actually condone them, the rhetoric seems to be, well, the passengers could have used the fire exit, storm in a teacup, sweep it under the carpet etc...
 

DarloRich

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Again on here, a TOC has made a balls up and rather than actually condone them, the rhetoric seems to be, well, the passengers could have used the fire exit, storm in a teacup, sweep it under the carpet etc...
not at all - I simply state that I would take responsibility for myself and get out via the fire escape. I wouldn't wander around looking lost waiting for someone to hold my hand!

I would be in touch with the toc via a strongly worded letter & my MP the following morning!
 

6Gman

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Again on here, a TOC has made a balls up and rather than actually condone them, the rhetoric seems to be, well, the passengers could have used the fire exit, storm in a teacup, sweep it under the carpet etc...
A member of staff has made a balls up and will no doubt be facing a no tea, no biscuits chat with his line manager.
 

Rab Smith

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A member of staff has made a balls up and will no doubt be facing a no tea, no biscuits chat with his line manager.
Or said member of staff was past their rostered hours and for personal reasons, refused to work on.
 

Russel

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Or said member of staff was past their rostered hours and for personal reasons, refused to work on.

Even if that is the case, said member of staff should face some form of disciplinary action for knowingly locking the station up before the end of service.
 

ValleyLines142

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Even if that is the case, said member of staff should face some form of disciplinary action for knowingly locking the station up before the end of service.
Not entirely correct.

Overtime is completely voluntary. In the station I work at, if the last train is running late enough to the point where it takes us over our day, then we arrange for the nearest Network Rail M.O.M to come to the station and let passengers out. Whether or not that staff member failed to make alternative arrangements remains to be seen, as there could be local agreements in place, but they should under no circumstances whatsoever be disciplined for finishing at their scheduled rostered time.

However, the article does say that the key holder reportedly offered no response and proceeded to secure the building, leaving passengers trapped inside as the station despite the daughter of a passenger on board the train reminding them that the last train had yet to arrive.
 

Rab Smith

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Even if that is the case, said member of staff should face some form of disciplinary action for knowingly locking the station up before the end of service.
So you want to discipline staff for leaving work on time? Is it their fault the train ran late? Do you know the member of staffs circumstances on why they had to leave on time? Did they go through the proper reporting process only for it to break down further up the chain?
Yet again, trial by Social Media before any facts are actually made clear.
Absolute nonsense.
 

Peter0124

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So you want to discipline staff for leaving work on time? Is it their fault the train ran late? Do you know the member of staffs circumstances on why they had to leave on time? Did they go through the proper reporting process only for it to break down further up the chain?
Yet again, trial by Social Media before any facts are actually made clear.
Absolute nonsense.
In that case, the station shouldn't have been locked that night.
 

800001

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not at all - I simply state that I would take responsibility for myself and get out via the fire escape. I wouldn't wander around looking lost waiting for someone to hold my hand!

I would be in touch with the toc via a strongly worded letter & my MP the following morning!
Now, I'm going to use Darlington for example.
When staff lock up, gates are padlocked.
I can not for my life see an emergency exit.
 
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