Railways warns people against getting close to high-voltage overhead wires

The Tiruchi Railway Division of the Southern Railway has urged the public and rail passengers to exercise extreme caution near Railway Overhead Equipment (OHE), which carries 25,000 volts.

In an official statement, the Railways warned that even approaching these live wires can be extremely dangerous, as electric current can arc through the air and cause fatal accidents.

The appeal follows two cases of electrocution reported within the division last month. On October 6, a 49-year-old man sustained burns after coming into contact with a high-tension overhead wire after climbing onto an empty goods train at Ulundurpet Goods Yard. He was rushed to the Government Hospital at Ulundurpet, but he was declared dead.

On October 19, a 16-year-old boy from Ulundurpet climbed onto a stationary tanker wagon at the same yard and came into contact with the live overhead wire. He suffered a severe electric shock and fell onto the track. After being treated initially at the Ulundurpet Government Hospital, he was referred to a private hospital in Chennai, but later died of his injuries.

Safety guidelines

Following these incidents, the Tiruchi Division has advised the public to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines. The public is cautioned not to climb on locomotives, coaches, or wagons for photography or selfies, and never to touch or approach electric wires, poles, or equipment. They warned against using umbrellas, especially those with metal parts, or carrying long metallic objects under OHE lines, particularly during rain or lightning. People are urged not to throw any objects onto the wires from pedestrian overbridges or overbridges and cutting or trimming of trees near OHE lines without permission from the Railways is strictly prohibited.

At level crossings, road users are advised not to travel on top of vehicles or overload goods carriers such as lorries and trucks. Height gauges have been installed at 4.75 metres above road level to indicate the maximum safe loading height. Exceeding these limits or carrying long metal poles or flag masts could result in fatal contact with live wires.

The Safety Branch and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the Tiruchi Division have been conducting regular awareness campaigns across towns and village panchayats on various safety aspects, including the safe herding of cattle to prevent runovers, the importance of crossing level gates only when open, and the dangers of high-voltage OHE lines.