Overground driver ‘under the influence of drink or drugs’ in Enfield Town crash

An Overground train driver has been arrested and suspended after smashing his train through barriers – inches away from Enfield Town station – while allegedly unfit for work through drink or drugs.

Two people were treated for injuries after an Overground train crashed through buffer zones in Enfield on Tuesday 12 October.

Firefighters evacuated 50 commuters as the train remained standing but derailed and stopped just before hitting a station building.

A 39-year-old man from Essex has since been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of endangering rail safety and being unfit for work “due to drink or drugs”.

A spokesman for Arriva Rail London said: “We cannot comment on this criminal matter, but we can confirm that the driver involved in the low-speed collision at Enfield Town station has been suspended after testing positive for drugs or alcohol.

“We are also continuing to provide full assistance to the investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB).

“We have a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy and will always put the safety of our customers and colleagues first.”

A statement from British Transport Police said: “A 39-year-old man from Essex was arrested on 26 October in connection with an incident at Enfield Town station on 12 October in which a train crashed into a stop.

“The train driver was arrested on suspicion of endangering the safety of the railway and being unfit to work on a transport system through drink or drugs.

“He has been bailed until November 19 and detectives are continuing to make inquiries into the incident.”

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