A man has died after his dog’s leash got caught in a train door and he was dragged onto the platform at a station in Virginia, USA.
The victim, identified by his family as Harold Riley, 50, got off the train earlier this week and was standing on the platform but the dog attached to him was still in the car, Metro Traffic Police said.
He was dragged along the platform and onto the tracks.
Mr Riley was pronounced dead at the hospital.
His two daughters told NBC Washington affiliate Sky News that he left behind four grandchildren.
Metro Traffic Police said the dog did not appear to be a service animal, but Mr Riley’s daughters said the dog, Daisy, was wearing a military uniform at the time.
Pets are not allowed on board unless they are being transported or if they are service animals.
The dog was in police custody, but Riley’s daughter Olivia Stark told FOX 5 she picked it up from a shelter and found a family to adopt it.
Metro Transit police said they are investigating the crash.
It said the train operator performed two safety door checks before leaving the platform.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased,” the force said.
