UK - Cyclist crashes onto rail track

[John Ashworth]

Cyclist crashes onto rail track
Page last updated at 11:18 GMT, Tuesday, 24 June 2008 12:18 UK

A cyclist has suffered life-threatening burn injuries after riding down the stairs of a railway station and crashing onto a live rail track.

The man in his 40s overshot the platform at St Leonards Warrior Square Station in Hastings, East Sussex.

It is believed he landed on his head on the 750 volt live rail.

British Transport Police said several members of station staff and members of the public witnessed the incident just before 0900 BST.

"It looks like this was an accident, but [it] highlights the dangers of riding bikes at the station," a spokesman said.

"It is a dangerous area, the railways are not a playground."

The man, who has not been identified, is being treated at the Conquest Hospital, in St Leonards.

BBC

Man Rides Bike On To Live Rail Track
Updated:14:14, Tuesday June 24, 2008

A man who rode his bike down the stairs of a railway station and crashed into a 750 volt rail track is now fighting for his life.

The man, who is in his 40s, suffered life-threatening burns after overshooting the platform and landing head first on the tracks.

The accident happened at St Leonards Warrior Square Station in Hastings, East Sussex.

The cyclist was rushed to Conquest Hospital nearby for treatment.

Several members of station staff and members of the public witnessed the incident at 8.48am today.

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: "A man in his 40s was riding a bike down the stairs of the station, overshot the platform and landed on the tracks and live rail.

"We are still trying to identify the man and notify his next of kin.

"It looks like this was an accident, but highlights the dangers of riding bikes at the station.

"It is a dangerous area, the railways are not a playground."

Sky News