Automated Casualties
Ismail Khan, one of London’s many homeless, died today after suffering an apparent heart attack as a result of being shocked by one of the automatic defensive units used by the city’s railway network.
Installed recently to prevent vandals destroying property, or terrorists from carrying out a possible attack, the death has sparked controversy and calls by civil rights groups to have the systems re-manned and monitored by humans in order to make more accurate judgement calls.
Khan, 31, was apparently looking for somewhere to sleep when he approached the perimeter fence along the tracks near New Cross Gate. Apparently unable to speak English, and ignoring the warning signs, he paid no attention to the automatic voice warning issued by the unit.
It is unknown if he has any family, or relatives.
From a UK news report, circa 2020.
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