"Soaked drunk" they stack objects on the tracks and the train arrives (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Teenagers pile objects on the tracks
• Interregio derails at 110 km/h
• Damage amounting to 141,369 francs
• Trial in Winterthur

Key facts

• What: Objects piled on the tracks
• When: February 19, 2023
• Where: Zurich
• Who: Teenagers and SBB maintenance worker
• Amount: 141,369 francs

The incident, which occurred on February 19, 2023, ended up in court. Among the teenagers involved was an SBB maintenance worker. Scooters, tires, barrels, and barriers were piled on the SBB tracks. A prank that, on a February night in 2023, turned into a serious danger for rail traffic: an Interregio hit the obstacles at about 110 km/h. The case came before the District Court of Winterthur.

A consequence with serious repercussions Four minors and a man, then 31 years old, removed various objects from a shed near the Wiesendangen station and from a construction site, piling them on a track. One of the teenagers, employed in SBB maintenance, allegedly reassured the others that the train could not derail.

Just before 9:30 PM, an Interregio traveling from Lucerne to Constance hit the obstacles at about 110 km/h. The locomotive lifted slightly off the tracks and emergency braking was applied. No one was injured, but about one hundred passengers had to be evacuated and rail traffic was interrupted for four hours. The damage bill? 141,369 francs and 15 cents.

It wasn't the first time The night before, two minors, the adult, and another man, then 18 years old, had placed a 97-kilogram motorcycle on the tracks. A passenger train hit it at 110 km/h, requiring the evacuation of the train and the closure of the track for several hours.

The four minors were tried separately. The man, now 35 years old and with cognitive limitations, and his accomplice, now 22 years old, appeared before the Winterthur Court.

…

Operational details

Practical Implications

The affair has raised important issues regarding railway safety and the responsibility of minors. Accidents caused significant disruptions in rail traffic, resulting in inconvenience to passengers and high costs for repairs. This case underlines the importance of preventive measures to avoid such dangerous situations.

Railway safety

Swiss railways are known for their high level of safety, but accidents like this remind us of the importance of maintaining constant vigilance. SBB and other railway authorities must continue to implement safety measures to protect passengers and prevent similar accidents in the future.

Responsibility of minors

Involvement of minors in vandalism that endangers public safety is a growing concern. This case highlights the need to educate young people about the dangers of such behaviour and the legal consequences that can result. Authorities must work with schools and families to promote a culture of responsibility and respect for public property.

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Key points

Concrete actions

To avoid similar accidents, it is crucial that local authorities and railways work together to implement more effective safety measures. This may include installing surveillance cameras, increasing the presence of security personnel, and creating educational programs for youth.

Education and prevention

Schools and communities must work together to educate young people about the dangers of vandalism and the importance of respecting public property. Prevention programmes can help reduce the number of similar incidents and promote a culture of responsibility among young people.

Tools and resources

For more information on railway safety and prevention measures, you can consult the website of the SBB and local authorities. These sites offer helpful resources and guidelines for maintaining safety in public transportation.

Learn more about rail safety measures

Source: tio.ch