Calls for inquiry into Euston fire alert

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has called for an investigation to be launched by the Office of Rail Regulation after an incident involving the possible failure of fire detection systems in an escalator at Euston Tube station a few weeks ago.

However, Transport for London (TfL) has disputed the claims and insists the automated alarms were in full working order at the time, when the station had to be closed for around an hour due to the security alert.

The general secretary of the RMT, Bob Crow, said:

“Anyone who is in any doubt as to why we are balloting for action over the threat to safety-critical Tube station jobs only needs to look at the incident report into the Euston escalator fire four weeks ago.

“Fire-detection systems failed and it was only the vigilance and experience of station-based staff that averted what could have been a major disaster.”

In opposition to the union, a statement from TfL said that safety was a “top priority” and that sufficient measures were in place at the time to prevent a serious incident, with London Fire Brigade happy to reopen the station soon after. It read:

“This incident demonstrates the importance we place on having our staff on hand in ticket halls and platform areas to help customers and safeguard their welfare.”