A tragic incident occurred at Sonipat railway station on Wednesday when a 16-year-old boy, identified as Harshit, sustained life-threatening injuries after climbing onto a stationary freight train. The teenager, a resident of Basodi village, was allegedly attempting to win a bet with his friends when he climbed onto the top of the wagon and came into contact with high-voltage overhead wires. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rohtak.
Key details of the incident:
- The incident took place on Wednesday morning at platform number 4 of the Sonipat railway station.
- The victim was trying to cross the tracks by climbing over a freight train instead of using the designated foot-over bridge.
- Upon reaching the top of the wagon, Harshit’s head struck the 25,000-volt overhead electric line, resulting in a severe electric shock.
- The teenager fell onto the tracks after receiving multiple electric jolts and was rushed to the local civil hospital by the GRP.
- Due to the severity of his burns, he was later shifted to a hospital in Rohtak for specialized medical care.
Investigation into the incident
According to Assistant Sub-Inspector Vikas Sharma of the GRP, preliminary investigations suggest that the boy was part of a group of youths who had challenged each other to cross the platform without using the foot-over bridge. The freight train, which was traveling from Delhi towards Panipat, was stationary at the time. Witnesses reported that the boy was electrocuted almost instantly upon reaching the top of the carriage.
Harshit, who had recently completed his tenth-grade education and enrolled in a technical course, is the only son of his family. The GRP is now working to identify the other youths present at the scene to understand the full circumstances behind this dangerous bet.
Safety warning for passengers
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme dangers posed by overhead electrical equipment at railway stations. Indian Railways consistently urges passengers, especially youngsters, to avoid climbing on top of trains or standing near high-voltage lines. The overhead equipment (OHE) carries high-voltage current that can cause fatal electrocution even without direct contact. Passengers are strictly advised to use authorized foot-over bridges or subways to cross tracks and to prioritize safety at all times within railway premises.