Teenager in ‘serious condition’ after being hit by a train

Driver praised for his ‘brilliant response’

The incident took place at Catford Bridge station (file pic) (Linda Steward)

A 16-year-old girl is in a “serious condition” after she was hit by a train during rush hour at Catford Bridge station in south-east London.

The girl was taken to hospital with head and leg injuries shortly before 8am.

Passengers praised the response of the driver, saying he “minimised the distress” for those on board the train.

According to Sarah Bowes, an events manager who was on the train at the time, the driver calmly informed passengers that a girl had jumped in front of the train, and to stay away from the windows.

In a short statement published on her Twitter account, she said people on the platform were screaming and crying after witnessing the incident.

However, the driver continued to give clear and calm announcements until everyone was able to leave the train.

“This clear direction from him certainly minimised the distress caused to passengers on the train as the Metropolitan Police, (British) Transport Police, fire engines and trauma doctors arrived at speed.

“The brilliant response of him and the emergency services mean that this 16 year old girl is now in hospital,” she wrote.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: “We were called to Catford Bridge railway station after receiving reports at 7.53am on Monday of a person struck by a train.

“BTP officers and colleagues from London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene where a 16-year-old girl was treated for injuries to her head and leg. She has since been taken to a hospital where she currently remains in a serious condition.

“The incident is not being treated as suspicious.”

Southeastern services into London Bridge, London Cannon Street and London Charing Cross were disrupted.

Press association contributed to this report.