A CCTV image of Clapham Common station after an uncontrolled passenger evacuation. Courtesy RAIB
Grinding paste residue and other organic residue on the brake resistor grid of a London Underground Northern Line train caused smoke and a burning smell which prompted passengers to self-evacuate at Clapham Common on 23 May 2023.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s probe found that the train was probably using a high level of rheostatic braking as it approached the station, which would have contributed to heat build-up in the resistor grid.
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