'Train surfing' or 'subway surfing', often seen as a daredevil stunt, is becoming an alarming trend among young thrill-seekers in Austria, particularly in the capital Vienna.
The dangerous activity involves individuals riding illegally on the roofs or sides of trains and subways, exposing themselves to significant risks - but making for some viral videos shared on social media.
What happened at Schönbrunn station?
The dangers of train surfing were highlighted by an accident at Vienna’s U4 Schönbrunn station this week.
Four young men—two from the Czech Republic and two from Austria—were riding on the roof of a train when they struck a pedestrian bridge.
Two of the individuals sustained life-threatening injuries; an 18-year-old is currently in critical condition, while a 17-year-old's status remains uncertain. The 16-year-old escaped with minor injuries, and a 13-year-old was unharmed, Austrian media reported.
Wiener Linien announced that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated further in collaboration with the police, using video analysis for clarity.
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The risks of train surfing
This incident is not isolated. Reports of young people climbing onto trains or engaging in subway surfing have become increasingly common in Austria.
According to ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways), there have been an average of two reported cases per year over the past decade.
ÖBB told the daily Der Standard that “train climbers”—individuals who unlawfully access trains or railway facilities—often get seriously injured, among other things by electric shocks that can lead to serious burns or even death.
In the last ten years, there have been eight fatalities and twelve serious injuries related to such incidents, the report said.
Prevention and awareness initiatives
In response to the rising concerns, both Wiener Linien and ÖBB have implemented extensive prevention and educational campaigns.
ÖBB conducts annual security initiatives and visits schools to inform students about the risks associated with train surfing. Additionally, the use of video surveillance at stations and regular checks by security personnel are in place to deter such behaviour.
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Wiener Linien is actively engaging in workshops in schools, collaborating with the Department of Education and the police. These workshops aim to educate children and young people about safety and proper conduct around public transport.
The company urges passengers to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately. In cases where someone is attempting to climb onto a train, passengers are encouraged to activate emergency call devices located on platforms or within vehicles.
All cases are reported to the police without exception.
The message from Wiener Linien is clear: “No TikTok video, no test of courage, or selfie in the world is worth climbing onto a metro or tram and risking your life.”
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