Growing toll of rail passengers hurt in train and platform stumbles

More commuters are being hurt in accidents at train stations across Melbourne, with scary vision showing passengers tumbling down escalators and slipping on platforms.

More train travellers are being hurt in accidents on platforms and on board, prompting a safety warning as many people take to public transport for major events across Melbourne this spring.

An average of 80 passengers have been injured each month for the first half of this year – the result of a range of slips, trips and falls.

A passenger trips on the platform at Caulfield station.

Travellers have been badly injured slipping on platforms and even tumbling down escalators.

Metro Trains are reminding passengers to be safe around railway stations and on-board busy trains, especially during Melbourne’s unpredictable weather this spring.

A passenger slips trying to catch a train at Flinders St station.

Metro Trains chief executive Raymond O’Flaherty said that as the city’s events season ramps, it was timely to remind passengers to be careful.

“Hold onto handrails, don’t run for a train and please use lifts if you need them,” he said.

The number of injuries and incidents across the Metro network has risen again this year. Last year 831 incidents were reported, an increase from 655 in 2022.

A man stumbles and falls down the escalator at Flinders St station.

A fellow passenger comes to the aid of the fallen man.

In the first six months of 2024, 490 incidents have been reported.

Of the incidents involving escalators, 45 per cent of passengers needed first-aid treatment while one in five needed help from emergency services.

Increased patronage and busier platforms created a bigger risk on escalators, stairs and platforms, Mr O’Flaherty said.

Originally published as Growing toll of rail passengers hurt in train and platform stumbles