Overground train driver smashed through station barriers while ‘on cocaine’ stopping inches from ticket office

A train driver has been arrested after his train smashed through the barriers at a North London station, while he was allegedly under the influence.

The Overground train dramatically crashed through the buffers at Enfield Station on October 12 and left two people with minor injuries.

A 39-year-old man from Essex has since been arrested in connection with the incident, on suspicion of endangering railway safety and being unfit to work “through drink or drugs”.

READ MORE:’Very scary’ impact sees carriage plough through barriers leaving 2 passengers ‘concussed and bruised’

The train came perilously close to hitting the station

According to The Sun, the man was revealed to be under the influence of cocaine after a routine blood test was taken.

A statement from the British Transport Police said: “A 39-year-old man from Essex was arrested yesterday (26 October) in connection to an incident at Enfield Town station on 12 October, where a train crashed into the buffer stops.

“The driver of the train was arrested on suspicion of endangering the safety of the railway and being unfit to work on a transport system through drink or drugs.

“He has been released on bail until 19th November, and detectives continue to make enquiries into the incident.”

The driver has not been named, but is said to have been “experienced”.

Following a positive test for drugs and alcohol, the driver has been suspended by his employer Arriva Rail London.

The man could face up to six months in prison if convicted of being unfit through drink or drugs, while convictions for endangering the safety of people on the railway can see him face up to two years in jail.

0 GettyImages 1028621910

MyLondon’s brilliant new newsletter The 12 is packed with news, views, features and opinion from across the city.

Every day we’ll send you a free email at around 12pm with 12 stories to keep you entertained, informed and uplifted. It’s the perfect lunchtime read.

The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our 45 journalists cover all the news you need – from City Hall to your local streets.

Never miss a moment by signing up to The 12 newsletter here.

According to The Sun, a source said: “This has caused shock among his colleagues because it’s a very serious incident.

“Luckily, by the time the train hit the buffers it had slowed down and somehow managed to stay upright.”

A spokesperson for Arriva Rail London said: “We cannot comment on this criminal case, but we can confirm that the driver involved in the low-speed collision at Enfield Town station has been suspended following a positive test for drugs or alcohol.

“We also continue to provide every assistance to the investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

“We have a zero-tolerance policy to drugs and alcohol and will always put the safety of our customers and colleagues first.”

Do you want the latest London travel, crime or transport news straight to your inbox? It only takes a few seconds! Click here.

Read More
Read More

https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/train-driver-crashed-through-barriers-21992225

Recommended For You