Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2013

Andrew Phrydas

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2013-0301, written 15 Nov 2013. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report15 Nov 2013
Reference2013-0301
DeceasedAndrew Phrydas
CoronerMary Hassell
Coroner areaInner North London
CategoryRailway related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

Regulation 28:  Prevention of Future Deaths report 

Andrew PHRYDAS (died 04.06.12) 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1. 

Managing Director 
London Underground 
Palestra 
197 Blackfriars Road 
London  SE1 8NJ 

1 

CORONER 

I am:   Coroner ME Hassell 
           Senior Coroner  
           Inner North London 
           St Pancras Coroner’s Court 
           Camley Street 
           London  N1C 4PP 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under the Coroners and Justice Act 2009,  
paragraph 7, Schedule 5, and  
The Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013, 
regulations 28 and 29. 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 6 June 2012, my predecessor, Shirley Anne Radcliffe, commenced an 
investigation  into  the  death  of  Andrew  Phrydas  (aged  23  years).  The 
investigation concluded yesterday.   

The  medical  cause  of  death  was  1a  multiple  injuries,  and  the  jury 
returned a narrative conclusion, a copy of which I attach. 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

Andrew  Phrydas  died  when  he  was  struck  by  a  London  Underground 
train  on  the  line  just  outside  Finsbury  Park  Station.    He  had  jumped  off 
the platform and run into the tunnel, then crossed over from the Victoria 
Line onto the Piccadilly Line, which is where the collision took place. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During  the  course  of  the  inquest,  the  evidence  revealed  matters  giving 
rise to concern. There may be a risk that future deaths will occur unless 
action  is  taken.  In  the  circumstances,  it  is  my  statutory  duty  to  report  to 
you. 

The  MATTERS  OF  CONCERN  raised  by  the  jury  are  contained  in  their 
narrative as follows.  

Three  minutes  and  49  seconds  passed  between  Andrew  leaving  the 
platform and him being struck by the train.   

Although a person in the tunnel was an unprecedented event, there was 
a failure by London Underground to have a process in place to shut down 
both lines simultaneously at a station where two lines intersect.   

There was also a failure by London Underground to alert the driver in the 
most direct and effective method about Andrew’s presence on the track. 

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

I believe that you and London Underground have the power to take action 
that may prevent future deaths.  

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date 
of this report, namely by 20 January 2014.  I, the coroner, may extend the 
period. 

Your  response  must  contain  details  of  action  taken  or  proposed  to  be 
taken,  setting  out  the  timetable  for  action.  Otherwise  you  must  explain 
why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the following. 

  HHJ Peter Thornton QC, the Chief Coroner of England & Wales 
 
 
 

 Barnet Enfield & Haringey MentalHealth Trust 

I  am  also  under  a  duty  to  send  the  Chief  Coroner  a  copy  of  your 
response.  

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted 
or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who 
he  believes  may 
interest.  You  may  make 
representations to me, the Senior Coroner, at the time of your response, 
about  the  release  or  the  publication  of  your  response  by  the  Chief 
Coroner. 

it  useful  or  of 

find 

9 

DATE                                                   SIGNED BY SENIOR CORONER 

15.11.13 

3

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