Teens escape train tragedy

FOUR teenagers, who were lucky not to be electrocuted, are facing criminal charges after climbing onto the roof of a stationary railway coach at the Kimberley Train Station on Saturday morning.

While two of the boys were hospitalised after making contact with the high voltage cables overhead, tragedy was narrowly averted as both are expected to make a full recovery.

Emergency services workers were required to help the four boys down from the roof of the carriage before providing them with medical treatment.

Lenmed Hospital spokesperson, Nina Jacobs, yesterday confirmed that one of the boys had been admitted to the facility, where he is currently in a stable condition.

While the Northern Cape Department of Health failed to respond to media enquiries, it is believed that a second patient was transported to Kimberley Hospital, having apparently sustained injuries to several parts of his body.

Police spokesperson, Captain Sergio Kock, said that a criminal investigation was under way following the incident.

“Kimberley police are investigating a case of trespassing after four boys were found playing on top of train coaches at about 11am on Saturday morning,” Kock said yesterday.

“According to security at the Spoornet yard in Kimberley, two of the boys received an electric shock and were transported to hospital for medical treatment.

“The police investigation continues.”

Spoornet failed to responded to media enquiries.