A Camden Mother’s Fight for Justice After Horrific Tube Incident
In September 2022, Sarah de Lagarde, a mother of two from Camden, experienced a devastating accident on the London Underground that changed her life forever. Now, nearly three years later, she is taking legal action against Transport for London (TfL) in a high-profile compensation claim that could exceed £25 million.
Late one evening, while returning home, Ms de Lagarde slipped and fell through the gap between the train and platform at High Barnet station. Tragically, she was struck by a departing train—an accident that went unnoticed. Minutes later, a second train arrived, unknowingly running over her again. As a result of these horrifying events, she lost an arm and a leg.
“I was run over and crushed by not one, but two London Underground trains on the Northern Line,” she recounted in a statement. “Miraculously, I survived, but it cost me dearly: the first train took my arm, and the second train took my leg. 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.”
Her injuries were not just physical. Ms de Lagarde has spoken publicly about the emotional toll the trauma has taken on her, claiming she has faced mental health challenges and felt “bullied” by TfL throughout the aftermath.
Though the financial value of her legal claim has not yet been finalised, TfL’s legal team has estimated the potential compensation at “conservatively in excess of £25 million.” The case is now before the High Court, where the stakes are not only financial but symbolic.
“For me, this is about more than money,” Ms de Lagarde said. “Standing here today, I feel like David against Goliath. It’s intimidating and traumatising for me to relive these moments. But I am compelled to speak out, not just for myself but for everyone else affected by these incidents, which are not so rare as TfL make out.”
Indeed, the data supports her concerns. A Freedom of Information request answered by TfL in early 2025 revealed that nearly 14,000 personal injuries were recorded on the London Underground between April 2020 and March 2024. While some of these involved staff or contractors, the majority were passengers.
Of those incidents, around 370 were classified as “serious,” and the most frequent causes were slips, trips, and falls. These incidents occurred across a variety of locations—from platforms and escalators to toilets—and affected some of the network’s busiest stations, including Waterloo, King’s Cross, Victoria, and Oxford Circus.
Waterloo topped the list with 516 recorded incidents, followed closely by King’s Cross (501), Victoria (394), and Oxford Circus (282). King’s Cross also had the highest number of serious injuries, followed by London Bridge and Victoria.
TfL maintains that safety is a core priority. In a statement responding to the data, a spokesperson said: “The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority, and safety on TfL’s rail network is comparable to that of mainline UK rail services.
“We are never complacent, and continuously strive to reduce injuries and ensure our customers travel safely across the network. We have done a lot to understand the key locations, issues and contributory factors which lead to customer injuries, particularly as customers board and alight our trains.”
TfL added that its approach includes both infrastructure improvements and campaigns aimed at influencing passenger behaviour to prevent accidents.
Still, between April 2020 and December 2024, TfL received 943 personal injury claims. It’s worth noting that this period includes the COVID-19 pandemic, during which ridership fell dramatically due to lockdowns—meaning the rate of injuries per journey may be even higher than the raw numbers suggest.
Some claims have resulted in significant payouts. One of the highest recorded was £2.35 million for a separate incident. Ms de Lagarde’s case, if successful, could set a new precedent in both size and public attention.
TfL’s barrister, Prashant Popat KC, acknowledged the tragedy during the court hearing: “This is a tragic case in which the claimant sustained some horrific injuries. Nothing I say today seeks to diminish the consequences of what has been sustained and suffered by the claimant.”
However, TfL is expected to argue contributory negligence, suggesting that Ms de Lagarde may share some responsibility for the incident.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Ms de Lagarde’s story continues to resonate with many Londoners who rely on the Underground daily. Her case is not just a personal battle for compensation, but a call to action for improved safety on one of the world’s busiest metro systems.