Home / Disasters and Accidents / Drunk Man Falls, Ignored by Six Trains
Drunk Man Falls, Ignored by Six Trains
15 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A man with over three times the legal driving alcohol limit fell onto tracks.
- At least six subsequent trains passed by the man on the tracks.
- One train operator reported a blow-up doll on the track, mistaking it.
An inquest is examining the tragic death of a 72-year-old man who fell onto the London Underground tracks at Stratford station. The man, Brian Mitchell, had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal driving limit. He fell at 14:45 GMT on December 26, 2023, and was subsequently passed over by at least six trains before being struck by one.
During the inquest, it was revealed that a train operator on the fifth service to pass the body mistook it for a blow-up doll. Another staff member, who did see the body, was unable to stop the final train due to shock. Mr. Mitchell had attempted to climb back onto the platform, but his initial fall reportedly went unnoticed.
Mr. Mitchell, who was originally from Edinburgh and had a history of homelessness, had spent Christmas Day with a friend before travelling to Stratford. The investigation is ongoing as the coroner's court seeks to understand the full circumstances surrounding this deeply saddening incident.
