Slush Pile: Mordor Railways

2008 Slush Pile

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Mordor Railways

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

I cannot believe nobody submitted this story that took place in Brighton in 2004 and caused a lot of media stir... or did I just stupidly not find it in the archives?

From the Argus newspaper article (online)

"Fun-loving Julian Brooker, known as Joolz, was joking with a group of friends on the line near his home in Shaftesbury Place, Brighton, in the early hours of October 24 last year. The group were playing a game, inspired by the character Gollum from Lord of the Rings, in which they crept around on all fours.The inquest heard how Mr Brooker, 23, crawled down to the railway line from London Road station and touched the tracks, pretending to be electrocuted.He was knocked unconscious and slumped down onto the line after accidentally touching the live rail."

There was a lot of grief in the area, he seems to have been a nice and bright chap but, come on "he crawled on the rail pretending to be electrocuted"????

more quotations:

"Friend Natasha Tamasova had been with Mr Brooker that night and told the inquest he had been drinking cider and whisky and taking hallucinogenic "magic" mushrooms."

later on:

"Miss Costin and another friend, Peter Bennett, tried to pull Mr Brooker off the live rail but were themselves electrocuted and thrown clear. Pathologist Nigel Kirkham said an autopsy revealed small amounts of alcohol in Mr Brooker's system but it was an unreliable reading because his body had caught fire and been badly burnt."

True, there have been more spectacular and dumb stories, but there have clearly also been less deserving Darwin Awards!!!

Submitted on 02/12/2008

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: The Argus From the archive, first published Wednesday 26th Jan 2005. http://archive.theargus.co.uk/2

>> Moderator Scores <<

Bruce said:
Maybe Toss: Bystanders Hurt
I'm a bit torn on this one as the article says that the two people who attempted to help were electrocuted and thrown clear as a result. It would take quite a jolt to do that so it's a safe bet they were hurt in the process. Let's see what the others have to say.

James said:
Maybe Toss: Other
I am going to hold out for a more detailed account. The bystanders may be a problem, but if more detail reveals further proof of stupidity and/or evidence of minimal bystander injuries, this story may wash.

Chip said:
Definitely Toss: Bystanders Hurt
Too me this is a clear case of bystanders getting hurt so I will join the "toss" crowd. Thanks for the story.

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2008 Slush Pile

Mordor Railways

2008 Reader Submission Pending Acceptance

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance