2023-06-27 19:47:35
A man needed to get from one Metro platform to the other, so he risked his life by jumping on the tracks and on the third rail that had electricity.
Alarming video captured by Metro security cameras shows a man crossing the rails at the Eisenhower Avenue station in northern Virginia on Friday. It’s just one example of what Metro officials call a “dangerous intrusion trend” in the rail system.
The video shows an individual stepping on the two third rails, which carry 750 volts of electricity. Even though he made it to the other side, he is initially unable to get on the platform. After three tries, he is able to get up on his belly, turn his legs, stand up, and walk away. A train can be seen on the tracks.
Another video, obtained exclusively by Telemundo 44, shows someone crossing the rails at L’Enfant Plaza station last week. A train had to stop to avoid running over the person.
Metro confirmed that a person was killed by a car carrying out the challenge popularized on social networks.
The video shows the person jumping off the platform, stepping on the lights that separate the tracks, and climbing up the platform on the opposite side. As they run across, the lights at the edge of the platform flash, indicating that a train is regarding to arrive. The train can be seen arriving at the station and then stopping.
It was not immediately clear if police had identified the people or if they might face charges.
Someone who had been “subway surfing” on top of a train was struck and killed on Tuesday, June 20, Metro General Manager Randy Clarke previously confirmed. The person, whose identity has not been released, was struck between the Brookland and Rhode Island Avenue stations.
Videos are circulating on social media showing people climbing on top of a moving train and trying to get on it.
Metro is using cameras, employees and police to try to prevent people from trespassing on the tracks or on top of the trains, Clarke said.
“We’ve had our fair share of intruders lately. We are doing everything we can to monitor that in real time,” she noted.
So far in April, May and June, Metro has received 32 reports of people trespassing.
Anyone who sees trespassing on the Metro system is asked to report it to the nearest Metro Transit police or employee.
Metro Transit Police warned passengers never to jump off the train platforms.
“No shortcut is worth your life. Trespassing on the tracks can not only get you arrested, it can also be deadly. Wait for the next train. It’s not worth the risk,” the statement read.
Trespassing on the Metrorail system is not only dangerous; affects service as crews respond.
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