Bhubaneswar: A youth sustained injuries after allegedly climbing onto a stationary railway wagon and coming into contact with a high-voltage overhead electric (OHE) wire at Mancheswar railway station in the city during the early hours of Sunday, prompting East Coast Railway (ECoR) to issue a fresh public safety warning.
According to ECoR, the youth reportedly climbed onto a loaded wagon stationed on Railway Track No. 07, allegedly for photography, videography, or creating social media content, when the mishap occurred. The victim suffered injuries after coming dangerously close to the live OHE system and falling beside the railway track.
On-duty Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel rushed to the spot immediately after the incident and shifted the injured youth to the Railway Hospital in an ambulance. After receiving preliminary treatment, he was referred to a government hospital for further medical care. Officials said the youth was conscious.
Following the incident, ECoR reiterated its appeal to passengers and the general public, particularly youngsters, not to climb railway wagons, coaches, poles, or any railway structures for selfies, reels, or photography.
ECoR warned that the OHE system used for train operations carries extremely high-voltage electricity and can prove fatal even without direct physical contact.
The Railways said it has been conducting regular awareness campaigns through station announcements, posters, counselling sessions, and social media outreach to sensitise people about the dangers of trespassing and engaging in unsafe activities on railway premises.
ECoR also stated that such acts not only endanger lives but may also attract legal action under relevant provisions of the Railways Act.
Indian Railways urged the public to cooperate in maintaining safety, stressing that railway tracks and electrical installations are highly sensitive operational zones.
