RAIB investigates London Underground door incident

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is looking into why a London Underground Jubilee Line train was able to travel between Finchley Road and West Hampstead stations with 11 doors open on September 1.

Just before arriving at Finchley Road, a fault developed in the computerised train control system, meaning that the train operator had to use cab control to open all doors next to the platform.

These doors would only open via push-buttons at each doorway. However, some of the buttons were defective and some doors could not be open.

While attempting to open them, the train operator mistakenly used a cut-off switch that bypassed a circuit designed to prevent the train from being driven with any door open. After failing to open some of the closed doors, the operator told passengers he would try to fix the problem at the next station.

Shortly after, the train left Finchley Road station with the operator unaware that some doors were still open. On arrival at West Hampstead, a passenger contacted the operator to tell him the train had travelled with a door open.

On investigation the operator found that ten other doors had also been open. The incident was reported to control room staff and the train taken out of passenger service.

RAIB’s investigation will consider the nature and management of the door control system fault, any factors influencing the actions of the train operator, the training, competency and management of the train operator and any underlying management factors.