A mother of two who lost her right arm and leg after falling at High Barnet tube station has called for Transport for London (TfL) to take responsibility.
Sarah de Lagarde, 47, was getting off the tube on 30 September 2022 when she slipped on a puddle and fell into the gap between the platform and the train, and despite her screams for help, two trains ran over her before she was found.
Having fought for her life, De Lagarde, who now uses two prostheses including a bionic arm, is fighting another battle and in February last year issued a claim at the High Court questioning whether TfL breached its own safety procedures and whether those are fit for purpose.
She said: “The thought of my two daughters gave me the strength to hang on.
“I am fighting not only for my future, but also for the safety of every commuter.
“I feel that there was insufficient staff presence at the station, safety protocols were overlooked, emergency training was inadequate and the train drivers were inattentive.”
The Camden resident, who works in communication, claimed CCTV cameras were not monitored live the day her accident happened.
However, TfL insisted a full investigation was carried out.
London Underground‘s director of customer operations Nick Dent said: “The Office of Rail and Road investigated and confirmed in February 2023 that their investigation was closed.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch concluded an investigation was not required.
“Safety is our top priority and we continue to take every possible measure to learn from any incident and put in place appropriate improvements.”
But it is not enough for De Lagarde, who urged TfL to close gaps at platforms.
She believes simple cost-effective measures such as increased staff presence, better emergency training, reliable emergency call points and real-time AI monitoring could significantly improve safety as well.
She added: “Simply stating ‘Mind the gap’ and putting the responsibility on the paying customer is not enough.
“TfL’s own data shows a disturbingly high rate of injuries, which they seem to accept as collateral damage.
“These are not just statistics, these are human beings.
“Every accidental serious injury or death on TfL’s network should be regarded as a never event.”
De Lagarde launched a petition which has already gathered more than 43,000 signatures and urged the public to take action by voicing their concerns to local MPs.
She said: “Public engagement is crucial to drive change and ensure our transport system meets the needs of its users efficiently and safely.”
It has been a journey of ups and downs for De Lagarde since her accident, both mentally and physically.
Yet the support of her family, especially when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last summer, has been a cornerstone in getting her through the toughest times.
De Lagarde said: “Their love and the professional care I received have been vital in my recovery and continued resilience.
“Healing is not a straightforward path.
“There are days filled with progress and others that feel like setbacks.”
De Lagarde, who became the first woman in the world to be fitted with an AI bionic arm, was invited to speak at the London Business School on 28 April.
It presented an opportunity for her to share how advances in robotics and AI can significantly improve lives, particularly for those with disabilities.
De Lagarde said: “I hope my experiences can inspire others to appreciate life and advocate for better conditions without having to endure similar hardships.
“Sharing my story is not just about coping with my disability.
“It’s also about advocating for technological and societal progress that can enhance quality of life for everyone.”
Feature image credit : Janus Henderson/Multi Media team
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