Rail trespass warning after survivor’s near-fatal mistake
A new national rail safety campaign is warning people that stepping onto railway tracks can lead to death or life-changing injuries, even when the decision seems brief or harmless.
Network Rail has launched the latest phase of its “No Second Chances” campaign after more than 19,000 trespass incidents were recorded across Britain in 2024/25. Those incidents resulted in 19 accidental fatalities and 85 serious injuries.
The campaign urges the public never to enter railway property, retrieve dropped items from the tracks or cross the line to save time. People are also warned to keep away from electrified rails and overhead wires.
Survivor’s injuries began with a dropped shoe
Dinusha Ilanperuma was 15 when she stepped onto the tracks while returning from a party with friends 10 years ago. She was trying to retrieve one of her shoes when she slipped as she climbed back onto the platform and came into contact with an electrified rail.
Dinusha suffered third-degree burns to her left arm, back and foot, as well as extensive nerve damage. She spent two weeks in hospital, underwent skin grafts and had to relearn how to use her arm.
“I’m lucky to be alive,” she said. “I still have the scars from that night, and it so easily could have been much worse.”
Dinusha said she wanted people to stop and consider whether a shortcut or retrieving an item was worth risking their lives.
Trains and electrical equipment leave little room for error
Network Rail said trains can travel at more than 100 mph and weigh up to 600 tonnes. Modern trains are also faster and quieter than before, making it difficult for anyone on or near the track to judge the danger accurately.
The railway’s electrical equipment creates an additional risk. Electrified rails and overhead wires can cause fatal injuries, including when a person does not directly touch them.
Louise McNally, Network Rail’s Trespass Prevention Specialist, said the campaign was intended to explain the danger rather than shame people. She said the railway is safe when people respect its boundaries and stay off the tracks.
Trespass also causes widespread passenger delays
The consequences extend beyond the person entering the railway. Trespass incidents caused more than one million minutes of passenger delays during 2024/25 and cost the rail industry an estimated £67 million.
British Transport Police Chief Inspector Joe Gorman said trespassing is illegal and puts lives at immediate risk. Anyone who sees a trespass incident can report it to BTP by texting 61016, while 999 should be used in an emergency.
Rail safety education is due in English schools
Network Rail is distributing a campaign toolkit across the rail industry, including materials designed to raise awareness among younger people. Its “Switched On” resources include educational videos, classroom posters and learning posters.
The campaign comes ahead of statutory rail safety education being introduced in schools in England from September 2026. The 2024/25 figures cited by Network Rail cover the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Source: Network Rail News
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- 2026-07-29 10:48
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