The problem in Clapham Common is believed to have been caused by brake dust, which can often be confused with fires.
On the eve of the Coronation of Charles III and Camilla, there was great alarm in the London Underground. Construction workers smashed the windows of a subway car with hammers this evening after the train was filled with smoke and passengers were trapped after the doors wouldn't open. About 500 people had escaped from the train when firefighters arrived and confirmed there was no fire.
British Transport Police said the problem with the train was caused by brake dust, which can often be confused with fires. Footage from Clapham Common tube station showed passengers banging into the doors as people on the outside tried to pry them open.
Crews from Battersea, Tooting and Brixton fire stations were on the scene. The London Fire Brigade went to the station and confirmed there was no fire. An investigation is underway, but the smoke report is believed to be caused by the train's brakes. About 500 people got off the train before firefighters arrived. The brigade has not received any reports of injuries.
There was a smell of smoke in the train, the train went into the tunnel about five carriages and stopped, the train on the other side stopped and people were running to get off the platform.
Trapped commuters smashed glass to escape a train at Clapham Common tube station. Footage showed the moment a glass pane broke as passengers made a desperate attempt to escape. All the while the carriages filled with smoke and the doors wouldn't open or wouldn't open.
