Mum loses arm and leg after slipping on station platform into path of two trains
Sarah de Lagarde was travelling home from work when the horrific incident unfolded.
She was at the High Barnet tube stop in north London in September 2022 when she fell between the train and the platform.
Two different trains then hit her before she was rushed to hospital.
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Following the ordeal, the mum-of-two had an arm and a leg amputated.
She now uses prosthetics and is bringing a legal claim against London Underground Ltd (LUL), which is part of Transport for London (TfL), for a breach of duty, The Mirror reports.
Speaking of her ordeal, she said the one thing that breaks her heart the most is the fact she lost her "ability to hug my two young children with both arms."
The first hearing in the case was held at the Royal Courts of Justice today (June 25).
Sarah, 47, hailed it a 'significant milestone' in her 'journey towards justice', with LUL defending the claim.
Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice following the hearing, she described the harrowing incident and the resulting impact it has had on her life.
The mum said: "I was commuting home from work. I fell through the gap. I was run over and crushed by not one, but two London underground trains on the Northern Line.
"Miraculously, I survived, but it cost me dearly – the first train took my arm, and the second train took my leg."
She added: 'That night I also lost my mobility, my independence, my dignity and, above all, my ability to hug my two young children with both arms.
'Today, I stand before you not just as a survivor, but as a voice for change.
"This afternoon's court hearing marks a significant milestone in my journey towards justice against Transport for London, and I am optimistic.
"As we prepare for the full trial, I am not just fighting for justice for myself but for a safer, more accountable transport network for all.'
Sarah said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has not returned to using public transport since the incident. She added: 'I'm absolutely terrified.'
At the preliminary hearing in London, Judge Roger Eastman said an eight-week trial would likely take place at the beginning of 2027, with a further hearing due to take place in September this year.
He added: 'I appreciate this is a very high value claim, potentially, and very serious claim.'
James MacDonald, representing Mrs De Lagarde, told the court the case was 'not an ordinary personal injury case'.
In written submissions, he said the issues the trial judge will have to decide include whether LUL was in breach by not having a system in place to ensure that the Platform Train Interface (PTI) is monitored as passengers are getting off a train at a terminus station.
Another issue is whether LUL 'was in breach by virtue of its train operators not being trained to look for passengers on the tracks when entering a station'.
Prashant Popat KC, for LUL, said: 'We recognise that this is a tragic case, and the claimant sustained some horrific injuries.'
In written submissions, he added: 'The defendant denies these allegations. It also pleads contributory negligence.
'The parties are agreed that the case should proceed first towards a preliminary issue trial on liability. This would encompass breach of duty, causation and the issue of contributory negligence.'
Thomas Jervis, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Sarah, added: 'This case is incredibly important and may have a profound impact on how London's transport network is operated in the future.'
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A mum has shared how she 'miraculously' survived being hit by two trains after she slipped and fell from the station platform. Sarah de Lagarde was travelling home from work when the horrific incident unfolded. She was at the High Barnet tube stop in north London in September 2022 when she fell between the train and the platform. Two different trains then hit her before she was rushed to hospital. READ MORE: Drivers in England warned over new £5 daily charge 'which could last two years' Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp , click the link to join Following the ordeal, the mum-of-two had an arm and a leg amputated. She now uses prosthetics and is bringing a legal claim against London Underground Ltd (LUL), which is part of Transport for London (TfL), for a breach of duty, The Mirror reports. Speaking of her ordeal, she said the one thing that breaks her heart the most is the fact she lost her "ability to hug my two young children with both arms." The first hearing in the case was held at the Royal Courts of Justice today (June 25). Sarah, 47, hailed it a 'significant milestone' in her 'journey towards justice', with LUL defending the claim. Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice following the hearing, she described the harrowing incident and the resulting impact it has had on her life. The mum said: "I was commuting home from work. I fell through the gap. I was run over and crushed by not one, but two London underground trains on the Northern Line. "Miraculously, I survived, but it cost me dearly – the first train took my arm, and the second train took my leg." She added: 'That night I also lost my mobility, my independence, my dignity and, above all, my ability to hug my two young children with both arms. 'Today, I stand before you not just as a survivor, but as a voice for change. "This afternoon's court hearing marks a significant milestone in my journey towards justice against Transport for London, and I am optimistic. "As we prepare for the full trial, I am not just fighting for justice for myself but for a safer, more accountable transport network for all.' Sarah said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has not returned to using public transport since the incident. She added: 'I'm absolutely terrified.' At the preliminary hearing in London, Judge Roger Eastman said an eight-week trial would likely take place at the beginning of 2027, with a further hearing due to take place in September this year. He added: 'I appreciate this is a very high value claim, potentially, and very serious claim.' James MacDonald, representing Mrs De Lagarde, told the court the case was 'not an ordinary personal injury case'. In written submissions, he said the issues the trial judge will have to decide include whether LUL was in breach by not having a system in place to ensure that the Platform Train Interface (PTI) is monitored as passengers are getting off a train at a terminus station. Another issue is whether LUL 'was in breach by virtue of its train operators not being trained to look for passengers on the tracks when entering a station'. Prashant Popat KC, for LUL, said: 'We recognise that this is a tragic case, and the claimant sustained some horrific injuries.' In written submissions, he added: 'The defendant denies these allegations. It also pleads contributory negligence. 'The parties are agreed that the case should proceed first towards a preliminary issue trial on liability. This would encompass breach of duty, causation and the issue of contributory negligence.' Thomas Jervis, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Sarah, added: 'This case is incredibly important and may have a profound impact on how London's transport network is operated in the future.'
