Richard Hinchliffe
PFD Report
Historic (No Identified Response)
Ref: 2016-0234
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Concerns include inadequate security of railway platform barriers and a lack of monitoring for a passenger asleep on the platform for an extended period at a 24-hour staffed station.
View full coroner's concerns
_ (1) The evidence at the inquest was that the barrier from platform Lonto the rail lines was clearly marked with warning signs and "witches hat" matting: evidence was that normal practice is also to secure the barriers with a cable tie to deter unauthorised access but to allow reasonable emergency access when required. However, the evidence suggested that at the time of the PFSS visit the gate was tied shut using a shoe lace: This visit was several days after the incident and is not necessarily indicative of the situation on 2 October. However, the evidence at the inquest also suggested that Mr Hinchliffe gained access through the barrier with some ease which might suggest that the barrier was not securedIt is not clear how often the The gate barriers onto the lines are checked to ensure appropriate security is in place.
(2) Mr Hinchliffe was seemingly asleep on the platform for approximately one hour before gaining access onto the line_ The evidence was that Blackfriars station is staffed 24 hours. It is not clear whether his presence would have been noted and flagged as a possible securitylsafety concern:
(2) Mr Hinchliffe was seemingly asleep on the platform for approximately one hour before gaining access onto the line_ The evidence was that Blackfriars station is staffed 24 hours. It is not clear whether his presence would have been noted and flagged as a possible securitylsafety concern:
Sent To
- Network Rail
Response Status
Linked responses
0 of 1
56-Day Deadline
23 Aug 2016
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 5 October 2015 commenced an investigation into the death of Richard Hinchliffe age 31. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21 June 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was one of accident: medical cause of death was Ia Electrocution: Il Under the influence of alcohol.
Circumstances of the Death
Richard Hinchliffe died on 2 October 2015 after walking down the train tracks between Blackfriars and London Bridge stations, having gained access from platform 1 of Blackfriars station at 02.48 (from CCTV): He fell and suffered fatal electrocution. An investigation into the death was conducted by
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe your organisation have the power to take such action
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.