Latest Rail News

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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Comments

Andrew Gwilt   08/06/2017 at 23:41

Electricity on the railways are as dangerous as trains are. Not matter if the railway line is 25,000v Alternate Current OHL or 750v Direct Current 3rd Rail. Its still as dangerous. I have no sympathy for the teenager who was almost killed by electrocution on the railways.

Thames Valley Rail User   09/06/2017 at 17:39

As AG - agree. Sad though it may be someone being killed is the best warning to other idiots who walk on lines or climb on trains.

Neil Palmer   09/06/2017 at 18:50

Agreed. I'd also say he should be charged with trespassing.

Evolution   12/06/2017 at 12:10

Darwin in action

Andrew JG   12/06/2017 at 22:25

Natural Selection at its finest or in this case Karma.

Mark Hare   13/06/2017 at 10:46

Agree with the above comments however we all know that in the eyes of the mainstream press (such as in the case of the two young girls killed on the crossing at Elsenham) the railway is always to blame and members of the public are not expected to use common sense or exercise caution. No doubt in this case it will be the railway's fault due to there being a gap in the fence...

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