Cologne: 14-year-old dies after trainsurfing electrocution

A 14-year-old boy has died following a fatal trainsurfing incident in Cologne, Germany. The teenager was riding on the roof of a regional RE5 train on a Sunday evening when he was struck by electricity from the overhead lines.

Passengers reported seeing flashes of light and hearing loud bangs and cries for help, prompting the driver to stop the train near Pohligstraße. Emergency responders faced significant challenges, as the overhead lines had to be de-energized and grounded before the victim could be safely reached.

The boy suffered severe burns covering approximately 80 percent of his body, caused by an estimated 15,000 volts passing through him. Despite being airlifted to a hospital by rescue helicopter, he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.