The two were identified Tuesday by V Corps as Spc. Latosha B. Vines, 22, and Pfc. Lena Karungi, 21. Both were part of V Corps’ Special Troops Battalion.

The two had left a party that evening in Neckarhausen, walked across the railroad tracks’ pedestrian bridge and were in the parking lot near the car they were going to be leaving in when they made what turned out to be a fatal error. They needed to go to the bathroom, a friend who was with them said, and decided to duck behind some bushes a few steps away — but right up against the tracks.

Lt. Col. Matthew Zimmerman, battalion commander, said after he saw the accident scene, it became clear the two had made an error in judgment that many might make.

“Once you see the site, you see how it would happen,” he said. “They just decided to step behind some bushes.

“I guess the lesson is German trains are fast, they’re silent and they come often,” Zimmerman said.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=39879&archive=true

Submitted on 10/20/2006

Submitted by: Wizard
Reference: Stars & Stripes 18 Oct 06

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Toss: Not Amusing
Thanks, Wizard. I don't find this one particularly amusing, nor is the stupidity grandiose enough. We DO appreciate the submission, however!

Jorge said:
Neutral: Darwin Award

Graham said:
Maybe Toss: Not Amusing
This sounds like an error in judgement. Yes, some European trains travel VERY fast (200 mph) and can be quite silent in their approach. Simple Intercity trains in England travel at 125 mph.

Tracy said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
I actually find this one quite amusing - maybe it's because I'm a girl! But I always find a SAFE place to pee! I can just imagine the view that the train driver saw!

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I've lived in Heidelberg (although I don't really recall the Neckarhausen area) but I seem to recall that the train track runs along the Neckar river, which might put this into a little better perspective. At any rate, I find this to be better than the usual train vs. human encounter. Thanks, Wizard.

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