A woman in Guangzhou, China, reportedly forced her way through a closing platform screen door after realising that her child had remained inside the train, causing the door to malfunction and become stuck.
The incident occurred at about 11.22am on August 20 at Guangzhou Metro’s Tiyu Xilu Station on Line 1, where a train was travelling towards Guangzhou East Railway Station. According to Guangzhou Metro, the woman had already stepped off the train when she realised her child had not followed her.
In a desperate attempt to get back to her child, the woman reportedly entered through the platform screen door as it was closing and used her body to prevent it from shutting completely. The action caused the door to malfunction and remain open.
The train driver noticed the situation and immediately intervened, reopening the platform door. Station staff then arrived at the scene and assisted passengers, allowing people inside the train to board and alight normally.
Guangzhou Metro said no one was injured in the incident and the disruption did not affect the operation of subsequent trains.
The incident was reportedly captured on video and circulated online, sparking discussion over the woman’s actions. Some viewers said they could understand her instinctive reaction after discovering that her child was still on the train, while others pointed out the dangers of forcing open a closing platform door.
One witness, identified as Hu, previously told local media that the platform doors appeared to close faster than usual and that several passengers had not managed to get off in time. However, Guangzhou Metro later confirmed that the door-closing speed was operating normally.
The case has also prompted reminders for passengers to remain alert when travelling with children and to prepare to leave the train before the doors begin closing. Guangzhou Metro advised passengers who encounter an emergency or require assistance to contact station staff immediately or call its 96891 service hotline.
The operator stressed that passengers should not attempt to force open train or platform doors, as such actions can create safety risks and potentially disrupt metro services.
