Heart-stopping images have been shared of a drunken man dicing with death on a live railway track. The man clambers over the barriers and stumbles across two live tracks just seconds before a train thunders past.
The heavy freight is thought to be travelling about 100mph and the drivers blares his horn while the man continues across the track. CCTV of the worrying near-miss in Lincoln city centre was subsequently shared as a warning to student freshers.
Elisha Allen, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “This behaviour is incredibly dangerous and deeply concerning. The individual involved recklessly risked their life to stumble just a few metres further forward.
“The level crossing on Lincoln High Street is a busy and active route across the railway, and it can present a real danger if not used correctly. People need to be well aware of the dangers, pay attention to the unmissable alarms, and remain incredibly vigilant when crossing the tracks, particularly while under the influence."
Network Rail joined together with British Transport Police (BTP) and East Midlands Railway to issue guidance to students on staying safe on a night out. BTP chief inspector, Ricky Sweeney said: “The railway is no place to take a shortcut.
“Getting somewhere a little quicker is not worth the risk, and we have seen firsthand that this can lead to tragic consequences or life-changing injuries – both outcomes are avoidable. There is simply no excuse for not following the safety procedures at level crossings."
Lucy Gallacher, emergency planning manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “This footage is deeply worrying. The person involved shows a reckless disregard for their own lives, as well as the safety of train passengers and railway staff."
People can report rail-related incidents to BTP directly by texting 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.
