'Train surfer' electrocuted

28/ 2/2007

RAIL services across Greater Manchester were crippled after a suspected

'train surfer' touched 25,000-volt overhead cables and burst into flames

in front of horrified onlookers in Manchester city centre.

It is believed the victim – a man in his early 20s – climbed on to the

rear of the train when it stopped at a red signal in the city centre

shortly before 9pm.

He is said to have ridden on top of a freight container as it headed to

Oxford Road station. But when he attempted to climb off the train onto a

bridge close to the station he touched high-voltage cables and was

electrocuted.

Eye witnesses reportedly saw him burst into flames.

Fire crews doused the blaze while police cordoned off the scene to carry

out an investigation into the tragedy. Rail insiders said one major line

of inquiry would be that the man was attempting to joyride on the train

as part of a highly dangerous craze known as 'train surfing'.

Submitted on 03/01/2007

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: BBC 28/ 2/2007

Copyright © 2007 DarwinAwards.com

Chip said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
This is a repeat with more information. I am of two minds with this one. One, if the person was truly "train surfing" then we don't want to encourage dangerous "jackass" type activities. BUT, this person obviously acted out self-selection to its fullest definition. I will kick this one upstairs to Darwin to decide.

James said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
OK, we're getting there! A bit more detail on the "train surfing" incident. Obviously, this wasn't some poor old hobo who met with bad luck. All we need now is further proof of stupidity and I think we have a DA! Meanwhile, I will let Darwin have a look at it!

Graham said:
Neutral: Lacks Excellence
Was he hitching a ride or 'surfing' I wonder? Either way, it's still an incredibly STUPID thing to do. He's where he belongs now, before he kills someone else.

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