Man dragged to his death after dog leash gets caught in doors of moving tube

17 February 2023 , 09:22

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Harold Riley died after his dog leash became stuck in a tube door (Image: NBC Washington)

A man was dragged to his death after his dog leash got caught in the doors of a moving tube.

Dad-of-two Harold Riley, 50, from Virginia, US, tragically died on Monday after he stepped off the Metro station in Dunn Loring Station when a leash attached him became trapped.

He was dragged down to the platform tracks at around 1.30pm as the man's dog remained on the train.

Despite life-saving treatment he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital, according to the Metro Transit Police Department.

Police claim they performed two safety checks before the train departed with the victim standing 450ft away from the operator.

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Metro Transit Police said pets that are not service animals can only be brought to the stations and cars when placed inside carriers.

Emergency services were called to the scene but the man was tragically pronounced dead (NBC Washington)

Train services were suspended for nearly 90 minutes between Vienna and West Falls Church.

The Metro Transit Police said in a statement: "Shortly before 1.30pm (on Wednesday), Metro received a report of a person struck by a train at Dunn Loring Station.

"The adult male was transported to the hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

"While the investigation is still ongoing, video appears to show the incident occurred approximately 450 feet away from the operator cab.

"The train operator performed two safe door checks before moving the train.

He was dragged down the platform at the Dunn Loring Metro station (NBC Washington)

"The deceased cleared the train and was on the platform away from car, but upon closer review, a leash appears to be tied to the person, which was unfortunately caught in the door, leaving a dog with no ID inside of the car.

"This obstruction caused the individual to be dragged on the platform and onto the tracks.

"The dog, which does not appear to be a service animal, is in police care."

Harold's family claim the dog, named Daisy, was a service dog but police have rejected those claims.

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Safety commission spokesman Max Smith revealed to the tube doors can only be manually opened by train operators as there are no automated doors.

In addition, he said sensors that detect items are in place but trains won't stop unless the item is the size of a body part.

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission confirmed they are investigating the incident.

Liam Buckler