16-year-old boy electrocuted while taking selfie atop a train coach in Mangalore

A 16-year-old boy has been electrocuted after he came in contact with a high-tension electric wire while taking a selfie atop a stationary Goods train wagons. The incident took place in Jokotte Railway Station in Mangalore. The boy is now in the Intensive Care Unit with 50 per cent burn injuries.

Mangalore: A 16-year-old boy has been electrocuted after he came in contact with a high-tension electric wire while taking a selfie atop a stationary Goods train wagon. The incident took place in Jokotte Railway Station in Mangalore. The duty Station Master of Jokkatte Railway Station reported that the boy tried to climb over a Goods train at Thokur and fell down due to electric shock. The bystanders and locals have immediately rushed him to the hospital. The boy is now in the Intensive Care Unit with 50 per cent burn injuries.

The boy has been identified as Mohammed Dishan, age 16, a resident of the HPCL Colony in the Jokkatte area. The train was stationary at the station when the unfortunate incident happened. The boy climbed the train wagon and started taking selfies. He came in contact with the high-tension overhead wire, electrocuted and fell down with severe burn injuries.

In this context, the Indian Railways has reiterated a word of caution to the public while moving or working near the electrified sections. The Railways has cautioned that the overhead lines and associated equipment carry voltage as high as 25000 volts. To create awareness among the public, passengers and workers, statutory warning boards have been exhibited in important places around the electrified sections.

Public/ Passengers/ workers are requested to adopt the safety precautions to be followed in Electrified Sections.

• Do not come in contact directly or indirectly with electric cables and connected equipment.

• The chances of suffering electric shock is very high near the high voltage electric cables.

• Using unfolded umbrella beneath the high voltage electric cables during rain or lightning is dangerous.

• Do not climb up on OHE masts, Locos, Carriages, Wagons etc. Youngsters often become prey to electrocution while climbing on top of the rolling stocks for taking selfies.

• Do not throw objects on the OHE lines from railway over bridges, foot overbridge, as they are likely to cause severe electric shock.

• Do not try to cut and trim trees that are close to the OHE line. Do not carry out any work within 2m distance from live OHE wire. This requires prior permission and switching off the electric supply. Such works should only be done in the presence of authorised traction department staff.

At Level Crossings:

• Do not load the vehicles beyond the permissible height.

• Do not travel on top of the road vehicles. Height gauges are provided to denote the safe height which a vehicle can maintain beneath the Over Head Electrical wire.

• Even though height gauges are provided, extra caution should be taken in instances like transporting elephants, carrying iron flag poles during processions etc.