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.
Almost £38,000 has been raised via a crowdfunding campaign to pay for Mr Ortega’s funeral and to support his family.
He was described as the “most loving person” and “the kindest soul”.
In a statement following his death, Mr Ortega’s children said: “He was an amazing family man and would always put other people first. He loved his grandchildren, and in turn, they adored our dad.
“He was totally devoted to our mum and loved her beyond what words can describe. Having been together for over 38 years, he is an example of what a great man should be like and a role model that we highly look up to.
“We can only hope to be like him. Dad is and will always be in our hearts."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Ortega’s death was “absolutely tragic”, and added: “Nobody should have to face any violence at work — and certainly not something as shocking as this.”
