Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Teenagers suffer life-changing injuries after electric shocks on railways

British Transport Police issued an urgent safety warning after two incidents in just over 24 hours.

Laura Paterson
Tuesday 01 August 2023 10:52 BST
British Transport Police issued an urgent rail safety warning (David Cheskin/PA)
British Transport Police issued an urgent rail safety warning (David Cheskin/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Two teenagers have sustained life-changing injuries after suffering electric shocks on the railways at the weekend.

British Transport Police said a 14-year-old boy climbed on top of a stationary freight train on Saturday evening and touched the overhead line.

The incident happened on shortly after 9pm between Carfin and Holytown in North Lanarkshire.

His injuries are believed to be life-changing and he remains in a serious condition in hospital.

It should be abundantly clear from these two tragic incidents that the railway is not a playground

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Francey

The following day, a 17-year-old boy was found by a member of the public on a footpath close to the line at Murrayfield, Edinburgh at around 10.40pm.

He is believed to have suffered an electric shock after going on to the tracks.

His injuries are also said to be life-changing and he is in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

British Transport Police have issued an urgent safety warning to help avoid any further tragic incidents on the railways.

Detective Chief Inspector Marc Francey said: “In just over 24 hours this weekend two young people have sustained horrific injuries after taking unnecessary risks on the railway.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with their loved ones who are being supported by officers.

“It should be abundantly clear from these two tragic incidents that the railway is not a playground.

“Modern trains can almost silently reach speeds of 125mph, and the overheard lines are powered by extremely high currents of electricity 24 hours day, which can kill instantly or result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

“With the school holidays upon us I would urge parents and carers to sit down with their children as soon as possible.

“Help us to prevent further tragedies by ensuring you know where you’re children are and talk to them about the dangers of the railway.

“Please, have that conversation with those in your care and encourage them to stay off the tracks.”

BTP and Network Rail’s You vs Train campaign highlights the devastating consequences of trespassing on the railway and can be viewed at www.youvstrain.co.uk

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in