Kannur: The obsession with creating viral reels has taken a dangerous turn, with young individuals climbing on top of trains and railway bridges to perform stunts. This trend has already resulted in tragic incidents, including deaths, and is spreading across Kerala, with students being the primary participants.

Railway authorities have issued a strong warning, urging individuals to prioritise their lives over social media fame. They emphasised the lethal risks associated with railway lines, which carry 25,000 volts of electricity, significantly more than the voltage in regular households.

“Whether the engines of freight or passenger trains are running or not, the railway lines, including those in yards, are always live with high voltage. Climbing on top of coaches, platforms, or over bridges is extremely dangerous,” a railway official stated.

Recent incidents highlight the gravity of the situation. Last week, a student tragically lost his life at the railway yard in Valapattanam. Similar fatalities have been reported in Shoranur, Palakkad, and Kochi, where a student was electrocuted after climbing on a stationary freight train.

Railway officials also explained the risks of electromagnetic induction, which can cause shocks even two meters away from the high-voltage lines. The power lines are positioned 5.80 meters above the track, and the current on running trains can reach up to 1,000 amperes.

In addition to the physical dangers, entering railway property illegally to create reels is a punishable offence. The Human Rights Commission has previously condemned the practice of filming reels on public roads, citing safety concerns. Railway authorities are urging the public to avoid such risky behaviour and remember that life is far more valuable than fleeting online fame.