Andy Lord struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke to the Transport for London board about the fatal attack on Jorge Ortega
London’s transport commissioner broke down and appeared to shed a tear as he spoke of the “unspeakable” killing of an Elizabeth line worker.
Andy Lord struggled to contain his emotions as he informed the Transport for London board of the fatal attack on Jorge Ortega, a 61-year-old grandfather, as he worked at Ilford station at night in December.
Mr Ortega, who worked as a customer experience assistant for MTR Elizabeth Line, the line’s operator, had been two hours from finishing his shift and returning to his wife when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack.
He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries but died two days later, on December 6.
Ayodele Jamgbadi, 28 of Kingston Road, Ilford has been charged with murder and affray.
TfL commissioner Mr Lord, speaking at City Hall on Wednesday, updated the TfL board on a series of incidents on the capital’s transport network, which he said were “sobering reminders of the importance of [the] safety and security of our customers and staff”.
Mr Lord said: “The appalling attack on Jorge Ortega, a member of MTR Elizabeth line staff working at Ilford station, has been unspeakably difficult for everyone at MTR and TfL, as well as the wider transport family, but particularly those who worked closest to him.
“Jorge tragically lost his life while simply doing his job – helping customers travel around London.
“Everyone should be able to go about their day without fear or intimidation,” he said, before having to pause before being able to continue his remarks.
His voice breaking, Mr Lord added: “It is unthinkable that someone could lose their life due to an unprovoked act of violence while working.
“Our thoughts remain with his family, friends and closest colleagues.
“We are working closely with the British Transport Police to support the investigation and strengthen safety measures, full stop.”
Mr Lord also mentioned the killing of Kelyan Bokassa, 14, who was stabbed multiple times on a 472 bus in Woolwich, and the deaths of two cyclists hit by London buses and a bus passenger who suffered fatal injuries in an on-board fall on Finchley Road.
Mr Ortega had worked on the railways for 24 years and was a member of the RMT union. His son also works for MTR on the Elizabeth line.
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