Russian roulette on rail lines as reckless Adelaide thrill seekers dice with death
A special investigation by 7 News has uncovered shocking, life threatening behaviour at Adelaide railway stations
Security pictures show people playing Russian roulette with fast moving trains around the country, coming to within inches of possible death.
They surf carriages, ride on the back, lean and hang from the sides and even leap across tracks in front of oncoming trains.
SA transport department spokeswoman Caroline Kelly said the behaviour is ridiculous.
“It’s reckless and people are putting their lives on the line for no good reason,” she said.
“We get scores of these incidents every year and, frankly, we’re quite sick of it.”
In the past 18 months authorities have reported close to a hundred incidents on the trains from Gawler in the north to Seaford in the south and everywhere in between.
Authorities say the offenders appear to be oblivious to the dangers.
The maximum penalty for reckless behaviour around trains is a fine of up to $750.
Police say they have eyes everywhere and with the assistance of cameras they have safety officers at locations right across the rail network.
“When we do identify them we come down with the full extent of the law,” Sergeant Gino Spiniello said.
The Rail, Train and Bus Union says the risky stunts affect train drivers.
“Steel wheels, steel rails making for a very effective guillotine if you slip, trip or fall,” NT branch secretary Darren Phillips said.
“It’s very devastating for [drivers] and their families to have to go through the trauma.”
