King’s Cross Underground Fire

Terms of reference: "To investigate the causes of the accident and circumstances surrounding it and to make any observations or recommendations arising out of the investigation".

Chair: Desmond Fennell QC

Panel: Professor Bernard Crossland (an engineer); Sir Peter Darby (previously HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services; Major Anthony King (Railway Inspector); Dr Alan Roberts (Health and Safety Executive)

Dates:

Investigation under s 7 Regulation of Railways Act 1871 announced on 23 November 1987

Hearings: commenced on 1 February 1988 and concluded on 24 June 1988 after 91 hearing days.

Report: 21 October 1988

Link to download report:

http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DoT_KX1987.pdf

Description of the events which caused the public concern: On 18 November 1987 there was a fire in the King’s Cross Underground station which caused 31 fatalities.

Summary of report’s recommendations:

Some 157 recommendations including:

• Physical changes to escalators and improved inspection and replacement
  
• Improvements to emergency response procedures by London Underground
  
• Station plans to be provided to London Fire Brigade as part of improved exchange of information between London Underground and the emergency services
  
• Improvements to the process of, and participation in, internal inquiries into accidents
  
• Creation of a board post with responsibility for safety at London Underground
  
• Adequate staffing of underground stations and staff training
  
• Improvements to public address and other communication systems in stations
  
• Changes to the law of fire certification of underground stations
  
• Changes to the role of the Railway Inspectorate
  
• London Underground to report to the Secretary of State for Transport on the implementation of the recommendations