'Sheer stupidity': TikTok video slammed over 'dangerous' Volkswagen stunt
Authorities have condemned a TikTok video of a Volkswagen parked on railway tracks after it was shared on other social media platforms.
The video seems to have been deleted from TikTok, however it was shared by Great Little Railways on Twitter.
“Just seen this on TikTok!” Great Little Railways tweeted on January 14.
“What goes through someone’s head when taking these photos?”
In the video, the Volkswagen is seen being photographed on the railway tracks, however, a Twitter user found screenshots from the photographer’s Facebook which suggest the shoot took place in 2018.
“Would you take the risk to get the shot no one else would?” the photographer questioned on TikTok.
Dangerous and reckless, says Transport Police
Regardless of when the photoshoot took place, the video shared by Great Little Railways got the attention of the British Transport Police.
“Thanks for bringing this to our attention,” British Railway Police tweeted in response to the video.
“This is incredibly dangerous and reckless behaviour, and no picture or video is worth risking your life for.”
The British Transport Police are investigating.
Network Rail put out a video condemning the stunt, saying it was filmed at The Oaks level crossing, at Bromley Cross in Bolton.
“There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings,” Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police said in the statement.
Insp Warren added the British Transport Police will prosecute anyone committing offences on or near a level crossing.
Network Rail’s North West route director, Phil James, also slammed the video.
“The danger this person has put themselves and passengers in is sheer stupidity at a staggering level. Trespassing on the railway is a crime, as is endangering the lives of rail users,” he said.
“No one should ever trespass onto the railway – so for it to be used as a backdrop for a photo shoot beggars belief.
“Lives could so easily have been lost by this reckless behaviour and we will be working closely with British Transport Police to make sure the person responsible for the video is brought to justice.”
Trespassing on the railways is a criminal offence in the UK and carries a fine of up to A$1765, or £1000.
Network Rail also said train obstruction could result in up to two years in prison.
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