Three teenagers seriously injured by railway current — accidents at German and Austrian railway stations

A 15-year-old was life-threateningly injured early in the morning at Kehl freight yard. The teenager climbed onto a freight car and came too close to the overhead line, causing him to suffer a severe electric shock. He had to receive emergency medical care.

Shortly after, around 07:47, another 15-year-old suffered a severe electric shock at a freight yard. Details about the exact location and circumstances remain unclear, but this accident also suggests similar circumstances.

In the evening, the series escalated: A 22-year-old American climbed onto a parked freight car in Oberaich in Styria and came into contact with the power circuit. The man was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to hospital by helicopter.

Safety risks at railway stations

The accident series raises questions about safety at railway stations, particularly regarding protection from high-voltage lines. Freight yards are often less monitored than passenger stations, and the overhead lines carry voltages that can be fatal to humans. Experts regularly warn of the danger posed by railway power circuits, especially when young people and young adults underestimate the risks.

The causes of the increased accident series remain unclear. Whether these are dares, accidents, or other circumstances is currently under investigation. Railway operators and authorities will analyse the incidents to strengthen possible safety measures.