Electricity on freight wagon: 34-year-old fights for his life!

Electricity on freight wagon: 34-year-old fights for his life!

In the early morning hours of April 20, 2025, there was a serious incident in Vienna-Donaustadt, in which a 34-year-old Slovak was seriously injured. The man had climbed onto a parked freight wagon and came into contact with the high-voltage overhead line, which led to the most serious injuries. Despite his critical condition, he managed to move away from the tracks and to call for help. The residents became aware of his calls for help around 7 a.m. and alerted the emergency services, who then interrupted rail traffic in order to reach the injured.

In order to save the person, it was necessary to dismantle parts of the noise barrier. After the emergency medical care, the man was transported to a hospital. His condition is still critical and he hovers in mortal danger. According to the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), around 30 accidents are registered annually by electric shocks in the area of ​​railway systems, with young people and alcoholized people in particular.

The dangers of railway current

The incident illustrates the extreme dangers that emerge from high -voltage lines. These are under a voltage of up to 15,000 volts; The approaches can already be life -threatening. A spokesman for the federal police confirm the regular accidents, especially among young people who are often violated when climbing on wagons, electricity pylons or during so-called S-Bahn surfing. Often tests, carelessness and the manufacture of selfies are the main causes of these accidents.

The consequences are often dramatic: surviving such electricity accidents often suffer serious burns and other health consequential damage. An example of such a story is that of Vanessa, which survived a current rollover after climbing on a freight wagon and now wants to contribute to clarification about the dangers of the railway current. She is presented in a preventive film by the federal police, in which her family, the treating doctor and a prevention officer also have their say.

Prevention measures and information

In order to prevent accidents, the police regularly carry out prevention campaigns such as "Safe on the train" together with rail operators. These campaigns aim to educate young people and their parents about the dangers of rail systems. There are also information events at train stations, in schools and youth facilities as well as on social media channels.

In addition to a main film, the media package for sensitization also includes cinema trailers, interviews, accompanying films, folding sheets, posters, presentations and teaching materials. Parents, teachers and employees in educational institutions are encouraged to actively contribute to prevention and to address the dangers of the railway current. The Federal Police can be reached for further information at criminal prevention@polizei.bund.de.

The tragic events in Vienna make it clear that careless handling of rail systems can have fatal consequences. Enlightenment and prevention are essential to protect young people.