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Electric shock at the train station: 21-year-old fights for survival!
A 21-year-old suffered a life-threatening electric shock at Vienna-Penzing train station while climbing onto a train car.
Electric shock at the train station: 21-year-old fights for survival!
On Thursday evening around 10:15 p.m., a serious incident occurred at Vienna-Penzing train station in which a 21-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries. He had made the dangerous decision to climb onto a parked boxcar when he was electrocuted. This was so violent that he was thrown from the wagon and was then able to get up on his own. Nevertheless, the injuries caused by the extensive burns were classified as life-threatening and the man had to be immediately transported to a hospital, where he is fighting for his life, as Austria reports.
The circumstances of the incident give cause for concern. According to a companion, the group had decided to take a shortcut, which led them onto the tracks. A corroborating witness saw the young man on the wagon. The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) warn urgently against entering railway facilities. In an alarm call, the ÖBB makes it clear that climbing on wagons and approaching overhead lines is life-threatening. The overhead lines carry a high voltage of 15,000 volts, which is around 65 times more than the current in a normal household socket. A police spokesman appealed: “Never climb on wagons and stay away from traction power lines!”
Dangers of high voltage
The tragedy of this incident is just one example of the frequent accidents that occur as a result of climbing on wagons or railway equipment. As the Deutsche Bahn points out, the current can jump when approaching just 1.5 meters, which can lead to significant injuries or even death. An arc can occur without touching the overhead line, further increasing the risk.
The safety campaign “We want you to arrive safely” by Deutsche Bahn and the Federal Police aims to inform the public about these dangers. An accompanying video illustrates the risks that arise from climbing on freight wagons or playing near tracks. It is emphasized that not only entering railway tracks is dangerous, but also activities such as flying drones or kites near the tracks.
The incident in Vienna illustrates the urgent need for such warnings. The connections between carelessness and the terrible consequences of an electric shock must be made visible to many. As the police explained, it is essential to maintain a respectful distance from railway facilities to protect lives.