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16-year-old survives electric shock while surfing in Melle!
A 16-year-old injured himself in a fall after an electrical flashover at Melle train station in Osnabrück while he was going train surfing.
16-year-old survives electric shock while surfing in Melle!
Once again, a tragic incident shows how dangerous playing with traction current can be. In Melle, a small town in the Osnabrück district, a 16-year-old teenager fell victim to a serious accident on December 23, 2025 when he tried to “surf” on a Westfalenbahn train. He climbed from the roof of the platform onto the approaching train and came too close to the high-voltage overhead line, which carries 15,000 volts - that's 65 times the voltage of a normal household socket, as Deutsche Bahn highlights.
Unfortunately, this led to a flashover and the teenager fell onto the track bed. A blessing in disguise: He suffered serious but not life-threatening burns. A 17-year-old first responder who tried to help the injured man and extinguish his burning clothing also sustained burns. As a result, both had to receive medical treatment. The 16-year-old was transported by helicopter to a special clinic in the Ruhr area. During the operation, there were significant disruptions to train traffic on the Osnabrück-Bünde route, as NDR reported.
The dangers of traction current
According to current information from the Federal Police, traction current is a recurring problem, especially among children and young people, who are increasingly causing accidents. Those responsible warn urgently about the consequences of “track surfing”, which is often motivated by recklessness or tests of courage. Numerous accidents are registered every month, which not only lead to serious injuries but can also be fatal. A well-known example is the story of a young woman who tried to climb onto a freight car after going to a disco and suffered an electric shock.
The risks are immense; the current can jump even at a distance of 1.5 meters and have fatal consequences. The Federal Police therefore advises people to stay away from railway facilities and also warns about the dangers of kites, drones and metallic balloons near tracks. The Federal Police and Deutsche Bahn have therefore launched information campaigns to educate children and young people about the dangers of traction current and to promote safe behavior.
Prevention measures and education
In addition to education at train stations and in schools, the Federal Police provides a comprehensive media package consisting of a main film, cinema trailers, interviews and various information materials. The aim of these measures is to make young people aware of the dangers and to show them alternatives to risky behavior. Parents and teachers are also called upon to actively participate in this prevention work.
The tragic incident in Melle is a powerful wake-up call. It is crucial that young people recognize and take seriously the numerous dangers that lurk in railway systems. A little carelessness can lead to serious consequences. So stay careful and safe when traveling near railway facilities!