Enfield train crash: Driver denies falling asleep before derailment

London Ambulance Service (LAS) treated two people at the scene for minor injuries

The driver of a train which crashed through buffers at a north London station had fallen asleep after taking drink or drugs, a court has heard.

One commuter was injured when the train derailed at Enfield Town station during rush hour on 12 October.

Erkan Mehmet, 40, has been charged with endangering the safety of passengers on the train and allegedly being unfit for work through drink or drugs.

He pleaded not guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Monday.

An eye-witness said the "train would have damaged the building" had it not been for the protective barrier

About 50 passengers were evacuated from the train after the derailment.

London Ambulance Service treated two people, including the driver, for minor injuries.

Images posted on social media showed the train remained upright but had come off the tracks and stopped just short of hitting a station building.

Transport for London said the train had been travelling at "low speed" at the time.

Transport for London said the train was travelling at "low speed" when it crashed

According to the charges, Mr Mehmet, from Waltham Abbey in Essex, is accused of "causing endangered safety of people convened by railway by a wilful omission or neglect, namely fell asleep whilst the driver of a train service".

A spokesperson for Arriva Rail London, which runs the train line, said: "We always put the safety of our customers and colleagues first and continue to provide assistance to the investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch."

Mr Mehmet was released on unconditional bail by the court until a pre-trial hearing at Inner London Crown Court on 2 August.

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