The passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has noted the circulation on social media of videos depicting incidents of train surfing with great concern.

The first two videos, shared curtesy of Ground Up News, depict youngsters riding on the roof of a moving train in the Western Cape, narrowly dodging 25 Kilo Volt lines which carry 2500 volts of electricity. 

Of most concern is the sharing of an unfortunate fatality as a consequence of train surfing which took place in 2015.  PRASA would like to appeal to all those sharing the unfortunate footage to respect the memory of the young man and not to glorify incidents of criminality.

Metrorail and PRASA have over the years warned of the dangers of train surfing with young people risking their life and limb in the name of so called fun. 

PRASA’s policy clearly states that those riding on the roof of the train are simply breaking the law and will be prosecuted.  Passengers and communities are encouraged instead to report those train surfers and potentially save a young life.

These incidents form part of Metrorail’s operational challenges as they contribute to vandalism and, in the event of an unfortunate incident, contribute to unscheduled train delays.  PRASA condemns acts of vandalism, theft and train surfing against Metrorail in the strongest possible terms. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NclAo3vr7U&feature=youtu.be

 

Issued by PRASA