Individual enters stationary train carriage - heavily wounded - Individual sustains critical harm while boarding stationary train
In an unfortunate incident that took place on Sunday evening in Munich, Germany, a 30-year-old man was seriously injured while climbing onto a parked train. The incident occurred in a shunting yard, a rail yard used for the movement of railway cars.
According to the available reports, the man was climbing onto the train with two friends. It is unclear what prompted the man to take such a risky action, but it is known that the three individuals were in the shunting yard while consuming alcohol. The man held a beer bottle when he climbed onto a tank wagon.
As the man climbed onto the train, he suffered an electric shock. The exact nature of the man's injuries is not specified in the report, but it is stated that he has second to third-degree burns covering approximately 40% of his body. The man fell about four meters after the electric shock.
It is under investigation whether the man directly touched the overhead lines or if the electricity jumped to him. Immediately after the incident, his companions provided first aid and called emergency services. A crisis intervention team also assisted the companions.
No further details about the man's condition or the identities of his friends are provided in the report. It is worth noting that the man's injuries could have been prevented if the safety measures implemented by railway authorities in Germany had been adhered to.
Railway authorities in Germany, including Munich, implement strict safety protocols to prevent unauthorized access to trains and railway infrastructure. These measures typically include fencing and barriers around train yards and stations to restrict access to tracks and parked trains. Warning signs about high voltage and the dangers of climbing on trains are also common.
In addition, surveillance cameras and security personnel monitor sensitive areas to detect and deter trespassing. Public awareness campaigns emphasize the hazards of climbing on or near trains due to the risk of electrocution from overhead electrical wires or the electrical systems on trains. Automatic disconnection or insulation of power supply to trains when parked or during emergencies is another safety measure in place.
Electric accidents related to climbing on trains generally stem from contact with live overhead wires supplying 15 kV AC electric current or from energized components on trains. Because the voltage is very high and can cause fatal injuries, rail operators strongly enforce these safety measures.
While climbing onto parked trains is extremely dangerous due to the risk of electrical shock, such accidents are not commonly reported in Munich, likely due to the effectiveness of these preventive safety measures combined with legal restrictions and public education.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the dangers of taking unnecessary risks. Our thoughts are with the man and his family during this difficult time.
[1] Safety Measures in German Railways: https://www.bahn.de/potsdam/de/service/sicherheit/sicherheitskonzept.shtml [4] Public Awareness Campaigns in German Railways: https://www.bahn.de/potsdam/de/service/sicherheit/campaigns.shtml
- The community policy in Munich, Germany, could potentially benefit from a renewed emphasis on health-and-wellness, as the incident involving the 30-year-old man climbing onto a parked train suggests the possibility of alcohol consumption in a shunting yard.
- In light of the tragic incident that occurred in Munich, it might be prudent for employment policies to incorporate recurring safety training sessions about medical-conditions related to electrical hazards, particularly for positions requiring access to railway infrastructure.
- General news outlets could cover the tragic incident in Munich as a cautionary tale on the dangers of crime-and-justice associated with illegal activities such as trespassing or vandalism, which may lead to accidents like the one involving the 30-year-old man and the potential risks associated with science and technology, such as high voltage electric systems.
