Selfie attempt turns dangerous: Railways caution against reels, selfies on trains

Bhubaneswar, May 24 (IANS) The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Sunday issued a warning, strictly urging people to avoid climbing railway wagons, poles, coaches or any railway structure for selfies, photography, videography or social media content creation.

The Railways issued the warning after a youth sustained serious injuries on Sunday after coming into contact with the high-voltage Overhead Electric (OHE) system while taking a selfie at Mancheswar Railway Station in Bhubaneswar.

In an official press statement issued on Sunday, the ECoR informed: “In an unfortunate incident at Mancheswar Railway Station during the early hours of today, a male youth reportedly climbed onto a stationary loaded wagon standing on Railway Track No. 07. During the act, he came into contact with the high-voltage Overhead Electric (OHE) system and fell beside the railway track, sustaining injuries.”

The Railways further stated that the on-duty RPF personnel present at the spot immediately attended to the injured youth and shifted him to the Railway Hospital by ambulance for immediate medical treatment.

Sources claimed that the injured youth, who reportedly hails from Rajasthan, has been studying at a private engineering college in the city. Subsequently, the injured youth was rushed to the Railway Hospital, where doctors later referred him to a government hospital after administering preliminary treatment. The injured person is reported to be conscious.

“East Coast Railway has once again appealed to passengers and the general public, particularly youths, to strictly avoid climbing railway wagons, poles, coaches or any railway structure for selfies, photography, videography or social media content creation,” the Railways urged.

Notably, the Overhead Electric (OHE) system used for train operations carries extremely high-voltage electricity and can cause severe injuries or even prove fatal without any direct physical contact. Merely coming dangerously close to the OHE wire can result in electric arcing and serious accidents.

“Railways continuously conduct awareness campaigns through station announcements, posters, counselling, public advisories and social media outreach to sensitise people against trespassing and unsafe activities within railway premises. Such dangerous acts also invite legal action under relevant provisions of the Railways Act. Indian Railways reiterates that railway tracks and electrical installations are highly sensitive operational zones and public cooperation is essential to prevent such unfortunate incidents,” the Railways added.

–IANS

gyan/pgh