Today marks the 38th anniversary of the King’s Cross fire, one of the most serious tragedies in the history of the London Underground. The fire broke out during the evening rush hour on 18 November 1987 at King’s Cross St Pancras station, when a blaze began beneath the wooden escalators serving the Piccadilly line. What initially appeared to be a small fire rapidly escalated into a catastrophic flashover that claimed 31 lives and led to more than 100 people being taken to hospital.

The ignition was traced to a lighted match that fell onto the escalator and ignited the grease, dust and litter that had accumulated beneath its steps. Although smoking on trains had been banned the previous year, smoking was still permitted in station areas, and discarded matches and cigarettes were not uncommon. Staff initially assessed the fire as relatively minor, but it continued to burn out of sight under the escalator where combustible material had built up over time.

Within around 15 minutes of the fire being discovered, the situation changed dramatically. The inquiry that followed later identified a mechanism, which became known as the trench effect, in which flames and superheated gases were channelled up the incline of the escalator. This caused a sudden flashover in the ticket hall, sending a fireball and dense, toxic smoke through the station. The rapid escalation took place so quickly that many passengers and staff had little time to react, and thick smoke severely impeded escape.

The London Fire Brigade responded with more than 150 firefighters and multiple fire engines. Conditions inside the station were extremely hazardous, with temperatures rising to such a degree that tiles cracked and plastic fixtures melted. Among those who lost their lives was Station Officer Colin Townsley, the most senior firefighter on the scene. He was later found near a badly injured passenger and is believed to have been attempting a rescue when the flashover occurred.

A public inquiry, chaired by Sir Desmond Fennell, began in early 1988. It confirmed that the fire originated under the wooden escalator after a lighted match ignited grease and debris, and it accepted the trench effect theory to explain the sudden flashover. The inquiry also identified serious shortcomings in fire safety procedures on the London Underground, including inadequate staff training, poor communication, and a lack of clear responsibility for fire precautions within London Underground and London Regional Transport.

The disaster prompted major changes to fire and passenger safety. Smoking was fully banned across the Underground network, including stations. Wooden escalators, which had been used across the system for decades, were progressively replaced with metal ones. The Underground also introduced improved fire detection and suppression systems, clearer evacuation procedures, and better radio and communication equipment for emergency use. These reforms became some of the most significant safety changes in the network’s history.

Efforts to recognise the victims have remained an important part of the legacy of the fire. A memorial and commemorative plaque are located at King’s Cross St Pancras station. For many years, one victim was known only as Body 115. In 2004, advancements in forensic techniques confirmed his identity as 73-year-old Alexander Fallon, originally from Falkirk, providing long-awaited closure for his family.

Looking back on the tragedy, the King’s Cross fire stands as a turning point in transport safety. It revealed how a seemingly small ignition, combined with overlooked hazards and gaps in emergency preparedness, could lead to devastating consequences. The lessons learned from that night continue to shape safety standards on the Underground, ensuring that the events of 18 November 1987 are never forgotten and never repeated.