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Man's Head Half Gone After Tube Station Fall
30 Mar
Summary
- A fall at Oxford Circus station led to a partial skull removal for a man.
- He received a 3D-printed skull to protect his brain after the accident.
- The survivor rebuilt his life, regaining senses and sharing his story.

In January 2019, Alastair Wallace experienced a severe fall down the stairs at Oxford Circus station while trying to catch the Victoria line. The accident necessitated a craniectomy, where surgeons removed a portion of his skull to treat a subarachnoid haemorrhage. He awoke in hospital to discover a significant part of his head was missing, initially protected by a BMX helmet.
Weeks later, Alastair received a custom 3D-printed skull implant. His recovery involved relearning to smell and managing a cerebrospinal fluid leak that temporarily altered his appearance. Despite these challenges, he has adapted, undergoing further procedures and rehabilitation.
Now, Alastair advocates for resilience and inner beauty, having delivered a TEDx talk on his experience. He emphasizes the importance of support from friends and family and how people can look beyond physical appearances. His journey highlights the human capacity to overcome adversity and find happiness.