Trained Counsellor
I was sitting on a station platform one day, when a woman came up the steps and sat down on the next bench, all the while weeping and moaning to herself. Everyone on the platform tried to pretend she wasn't there - this is England, after all; public displays of emotion make us uncomfortable.

She continued wailing and crying, all the while muttering to herself through her sobs, though I couldn't make out what she was saying. Then an announcement came over the PA: "Please stand clear of the edge of the platform, as the next train does not stop at this station". The express to London was coming through.

Hearing the announcement, the woman immediately stood up and headed purposefully toward the tracks. I got a strong feeling that we had a jumper, so I told my kids to stay put and hurried over to intercept her.

I was pleased to see that another guy had had the same thought, and we met her before she got to the edge. He went to get the station staff, while I tried to talk to her. All I got back was a torrent of abuse, but that was fine by me, since I was between her and the train which was now thundering through the station behind me.

No idea what her problem was, but I didn't hear of any train-strikes over the next few days so I guess she made it.
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:59, 4 replies)

It's an odd thing to do, isn't it?
Last year I was on a tube when someone jumped under it at Hammersmith.

The train stopped halfway into the station, and the driver somewhat matter of factly said "Sorry, someone just jumped under the train, you'll have to evacuate through the carriages", which we did.

I didn't see anything, except a couple of hysterical people on the platform, who obvously did see it. I just left the station and went on another route.

Even having pretty much no involvement - I never found out who it was, male or female, whether they died or not - it was very unsettling, and even now I sometimes think about what a wierd experience it was.
(username failed moderation, Mon 13 Feb 2012, 12:04, closed)

No doubt making the announcement in that "forced calm" voice that we all know how to do...
(gordonjcp, Mon 13 Feb 2012, 13:45, closed)

TRAINed Counsellor
I see what you did there!
(TheManWithThePlan cussed your mum on, Mon 13 Feb 2012, 12:11, closed)

Must have been years ago.
If it was nowadays, everyone else on the platform would have jostled to get a good angle with their cameraphone as she jumped.
(Rsoles, Mon 13 Feb 2012, 16:22, closed)