An investigation is underway after a passenger on the Elizabeth line in west London was forced to run along the platform with his hand trapped in a moving train’s doors.  

The incident occurred just after midnight at Ealing Broadway station when the passenger attempted to board the train, according to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) on December 24.  

With his hand caught in the closing doors, the passenger was dragged several metres alongside the moving train before a railway staff member on the platform intervened and pulled him away.  

Alerted by nearby passengers, the driver halted the train after it had traveled approximately 17 metres. The RAIB reported that the passenger sustained minor injuries.

The “trap and drag” incident, which took place on 24 November at about 12.07am, is the latest case of a rail passenger having to run alongside trains with their hand or arm trapped in doors at stations. Previous incidents took place at Enfield Town, north London, in July; Seven Sisters, north London, in June 2022; Bushey, Hertfordshire, in March 2018; and Newcastle Central in 2013.

The RAIB investigation will consider factors such as if anything influenced the actions of those involved, and how risks associated with passengers boarding and alighting Elizabeth line trains are managed. It will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety.

Elizabeth line services are operated by MTR Elizabeth line under a concession from Transport for London. The Guardian has approached both organisations for comment.