Teenagers electrocuted by 600 volts after touching third rail taking selfies on train tracks.
Introduction:
Two teenagers were electrocuted by 600 volts of electricity after touching the third rail while taking a selfie on the train tracks in Chicago. The shocking incident happened on August 5, as the teens and their friends headed to the Lollapalooza music festival.
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Explanation:
According to the video footage and the reports, the male and female teens were sitting on the tracks at the Ridgeland Green Line stop in Oak Park, an unauthorized area, when they decided to take a photo together. The male teen leaned back and accidentally touched the electrified rail, which sent a powerful jolt through his body. He then grabbed the female teen beside him, who was also shocked by the current.
A third teen sitting on the other side of the tracks tried to help them and pulled them away from the rail. He also got a minor shock in the process. Several other friends, who were on the platform above them, jumped down and assisted them.
The emergency services arrived at the scene and rushed the injured teens to Loyola Medical Center. The male teen was in cardiac arrest and was listed in critical condition. The female teen was conscious and was reported to be improving.
The third rail is a metal rail that runs along the tracks and provides power to the trains. It carries 600 volts of electricity, enough to kill a person. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) warns people not to trespass on the tracks or touch the third rail, as it is extremely dangerous.
The CTA also said it is investigating the incident and reviewing its safety measures. The Oak Park Fire Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety also released statements about the incident, urging people to follow the rules and avoid risky behaviors on train tracks.
The authorities have not disclosed the teens’ names and ages. Their families and friends have expressed their grief and prayers for recovery on social media.
