Rail worker dies after being spat at by man claiming to have covid-19

Belly Mujinga, a 47-year-old mother of one, was on the concourse of Victoria station in London in March when a member of the public who said he had COVID-19 spat and coughed at her and a

colleague. Within days of the assault, both women fell ill with the virus. Ms Mujinga, who had underlying respiratory problems, was admitted to Barnet Hospital and put on a ventilator but

died on April 5, her trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), said. Ten people attended her funeral. The union has reported the incident to the Railways Inspectorate,

the safety arm of the Office for Road and Rail (ORR), for investigation and is taking legal advice on the situation. TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: "We are shocked and

devastated at Belly's death." BACK EXPRESS.CO.UK'S NHS HEROES CAMPAIGN "The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, recently announced that £60,000 would be paid to the survivors

of health and care workers who die as a result of the pandemic. "Our view is that this compensation should be extended to the families of all frontline workers who perish trying to

keep our country and vital services going. "Sadly, Belly's is just one of many family tragedies where children have had their parents taken away from them. READ MORE: CHINA PLOT -

EXPERTS REVEAL SECRET PLAN TO BRAINWASH WESTERN STUDENTS "Anyone who is vulnerable should remain at home and home working should be the default wherever possible. "Our rail

industry needs to have a very serious look at what tasks are deemed 'essential' and must put protections in place for all our members and our passengers." A British Transport

Police statement issued today said: "British Transport Police have now launched an investigation into a report of two members of rail staff being spat at while working at London

Victoria station on 22nd March. "One of the victims, a 47-year-old woman, very sadly died in hospital on April 5th." Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has any information is

being asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference 359 of 11/05/20. Anyone who deliberately cough on emergency workers during the pandemic will be

jailed for up to two years, the Crown Prosecution Service said in March. Coughing will be charged as an assault on an emergency worker, or common assault if used against other key workers or

members of the public, the CPS said. Express.co.uk has contacted the Department for Transport to ask about the issues raised by the tragedy, and the possibility of extending the

compensation scheme to the families of all frontline workers Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The death of Belly Mujinga is a tragic incident and my deepest condolences go out to her

family, friends and colleagues.  “Frontline staff are playing a crucial role helping passengers at stations. They deserve safe workplaces, and to be treated with consideration and respect.

 “The British Transport Police is investigating and, while I cannot comment further I ask passengers and operators to adhere to the clear guidance published today to help keep everyone on

our transport network safe.”