08.06.17
BTP issues warning after teen almost killed trespassing at Bescot depot
Police have today released information about a pair of teenagers who were seriously injured last week after being electrocuted by overhead wires when they climbed on top of a freight train in a rail depot.
By releasing the information, the British Transport Police (BTP) hopes to discourage other youngsters from trespassing on railway sites in the future.
In a statement released by the BTP, it was revealed that the two 13-year-old boys had entered a depot in Bescot on 1 June through an unauthorised access point at the site fence line.
One of the boys then climbed on top of a freight train and mistakenly came into contact with either an overhead electricity cable or the current – which can jump three metres from the line to nearby objects – arced. The boy was shocked by 25,000 volts, leaving him with 40% burns. His friend also received minor burns from trying to push him away from the current and being electrocuted himself.
“We do not intend to cause alarm or upset people by revealing these details,” said Inspector Jacqui Wilson from BTP. “Our intention is to explain what happened so people fully realise the dangers the railway poses. We are also not apportioning blame, but simply setting out the risks to try and stop others from taking them.”
Inspector Wilson added that the boy was extremely lucky to have not been killed during the incident, as she also stated that the BTP were working with the boy’s family through this difficult time.
“Our focus now is to stop this from happening again and to work with the community to protect other children,” she said “We are patrolling the area to deter trespassers and we are visiting local schools and talking to students to make sure they understand the hazards of the railway.”
Inspector Wilson urged parents to be clear with their children about the risks involved with trespassing on or close to the railway.
DB Cargo UK, who own part of the site, said: “Our thoughts remain with the boys and their families and friends. Railway yards can be dangerous places to members of the public, which is why we support our industry partners wherever possible to highlight the dangers and the importance of safety on the railways.
“We are continuing to do all we can to assist with the investigation in order to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”
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