Request ID: FOI-4345-2324 Date published: 11 March 2024
You asked
This is an official freedom of information request.
Please confirm how many deaths have occurred at Mile End station since 1970
Regards,
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4345-2324 Thank you for your requests received by Transport for London (TfL) on 22nd and 23rd February 2024 asking for information about deaths on the London Underground network. Your requests have been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. Specifically you asked the following: Case reference FOI-4340-2324 “I am formally requesting information in accordance of the Freedom Of Information Act. (FOI) on the two following events. Death of a male at Mile End station railway on February 13 or 14/2024 that died on the tracks after being hit by a train. Also, Death of a male at Wapping station that died on the tracks on Feb 13 or 14/2024. I wish to understand the victims name. If not, age and ethnicity along will the factual events that occurred.”, And; Case reference FOI-4345-2324: “Please confirm how many deaths have occurred at Mile End station since 1970”. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. Note that it is not possible to say how far back we hold such records without further research. However, that said, information about deaths on the tracks at TfL operated stations is, in any event, exempt from disclosure under section 38 (prejudice to Health and Safety) of the Freedom of Information Act (and particularly sections 38(1)(a) and 38(1)(b), which focus on endangerment to physical or mental health and the safety of any individual).
One of TfL’s utmost priorities is ensuring the safety of the general public when traveling on our network. Whilst we make no suggestion that you would use this information for anything other than you own personal interest, disclosure of this information to you has to be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’ and so we must consider the possible impact from disclosure of any information we may hold regarding the information you have requested
The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance we feel that ensuring the protection of vulnerable people, passengers and staff puts the balance in favour of withholding the information. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
