According to news reports, more than 40 people have been injured at Reading Railway Station at around 7:30am at platform 14 during the busy commuting hours on Wednesday 6th January 2016.
In a nightmarish start to the year, several people walking up the stationary escalators ended up in a heap when the stairs suddenly started moving backwards at pace. Some of those at the top were able to rush off or jump to the side, but many were caught in the middle and ended up in a heap at the base of the escalators.
Reports confirm that several were injured, including the elderly, and victims have expressed their anger at how much more serious the incident could have been. Someone could easily have lost their balance and fallen down the full flight of stairs, suffering serious or even fatal injuries.
A pile of injured victims more than six feet high reportedly landed at the bottom, yet no apologies were initially made, and no one from the station immediately attended the scene of the accident. One victim reportedly tried to use the emergency stop button, which wasn’t even working.
Network Rail are now conducting a full investigation in to how the accident occurred.
Victims may be entitled to compensation
Whilst no one has reportedly received any serious injuries, anyone who is suffering may be entitled to claim for personal injury compensation. These sorts of incidents are no laughing matter, and we have helped people claim for injuries suffered in similar circumstances in the past.
If you need help, call us 0800 634 7575 for advice.
