Firefighters free elderly woman who became trapped after falling from platform at Derry train station

An elderly woman fell off the platform at Derry’s train station and got stuck in a small gap between the platform and a train, it has emerged.

It took emergency services almost 30 minutes to free the terrified pensioner.

The shocking incident took place on Monday week last, October 24, but details were revealed for the first time today by the Derry News.

It is understood the woman, who is believed to be in her 70s, arrived at the Duke Street station shortly before 1.30pm.

An eyewitness said as she was walking on the platform the woman fell down into the gap between the platform and the train.

Staff at the station and other passengers immediately came to the aid of distraught pensioner.

However, realising the difficulty involved in freeing her, the staff contacted the emergency services.

It took firefighters from Crescent Link station almost half an hour to free the woman.

SHe was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment to injuries which are not thought to have been serious.

A Translink spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the incident. . There has been criticism for a number of years of the standard of facilities at the Derry station.

Recently, Transport Minister Chris Hazzard revealed plans to create a ‘transport hub’ at the former Waterside train station building beside the current station.

If these plans come to fruition, it will lead to the closure of Derry’s current train station.