In a jaw-dropping incident on January 17, 2025, a 40-year-old Hungarian man narrowly escaped death after clinging to the exterior of a German Intercity Express (ICE) train traveling at speeds up to 280 km/h (175 mph). The story has sparked widespread conversation about train safety and passenger behavior, with authorities warning of the life-threatening risks involved.
The Heart-Stopping Event
The man, who had boarded the ICE train in Munich bound for Lübeck, stepped onto the platform at Ingolstadt for a cigarette break. As fate would have it, the train doors closed before he could re-enter, leaving his luggage behind. Rather than seeking help from train staff, he made a desperate decision to jump onto the bracket between two carriages, holding onto the connecting cables as the train accelerated.
For 32 kilometers (20 miles), he clung to the train’s exterior, exposed to the full force of wind and speed. Witnesses quickly alerted authorities, prompting a controlled stop at Kinding, Bavaria. A police officer onboard helped the man back into the train, after which he was handed over to local authorities in Nuremberg.
Legal Repercussions
The man now faces legal consequences for endangering himself and others, disrupting train operations, and traveling without a valid ticket. Officials have labeled his actions as “life-threatening nonsense,” underscoring the gravity of such stunts.
A History of Reckless Train Clinging
This isn’t the first time someone has risked their life on the exterior of a high-speed train. In 2017, a similar case saw a man survive after clinging to a German train at nearly 160 km/h (99 mph) for 24 kilometers (15 miles). Both incidents highlight the dangerous lengths individuals are willing to go to retrieve lost belongings or re-board moving trains.
The ICE Network and Its Safety Standards
Germany’s ICE trains are globally renowned for their speed, efficiency, and safety. Operated under strict European Union safety guidelines, the network features state-of-the-art technology designed to protect passengers. The Federal Railway Authority (EBA) oversees safety certifications and ensures that operators comply with rigorous standards.
Despite these measures, human error or reckless behavior, such as boarding the exterior of a train, can disrupt even the safest systems.
Lessons for Passengers
For passengers, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols. If you miss re-boarding a train:
- Contact Station Personnel: Inform staff immediately to secure your belongings.
- Do Not Take Risks: Attempting to board a moving train or clinging to its exterior is not only illegal but also life-threatening.
- Follow Instructions: Train personnel are equipped to assist in resolving travel disruptions safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How did the man survive the journey at such high speeds?
He positioned himself between two carriages, holding onto connecting cables. While he escaped unscathed, his survival is an extraordinary exception, not the norm.
2. What legal actions might he face?
Charges could include fare evasion, public service disruption, and endangering public safety. Penalties may range from fines to potential imprisonment.
3. What safety measures prevent such incidents?
German trains are designed with secure door systems and monitored by surveillance cameras. However, determined individuals can still bypass these safeguards.
4. What should you do if you’re separated from your luggage on a train?
Seek assistance from the station or onboard staff immediately. They can help you recover your belongings or arrange alternative travel solutions.
A Wake-Up Call for Train Safety
This extraordinary event serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the risks inherent in ignoring safety guidelines. Germany’s high-speed rail system remains a beacon of modern transportation, but passenger safety ultimately relies on cooperation and common sense.
Sources The Guardian
