WATCH: Train surfers recorded in Warner Beach
The high school children seem to be doing it for fun or to impress their peers.
QUICK reaction from a Warner Beach resident caught schoolchildren ‘surfing’ the Metrorail trains on camera.
Train surfing, which is also known as train hopping or train hitching, is when people hitch a ride on the outside of a moving train, tram or another rail transport to avoid paying the fare.
The high school children in Peter Bond’s footage, though seem to be doing it for fun or to impress their peers.
Peter was at a local pub on Monday, 23 January when he was surprised to see schoolchildren standing on top of the train’s roof and surfing.
“Their school mates were hanging out of the carriages and shouting encouragement to them,” said Peter.
“I’ve seen them do it before and dance on the roof, but fortunately this time I was quick enough to grab my cellphone and film them doing it.”
Watch the video of the school children train surfing below:
The train was travelling slowly from Warner Beach station towards Winklespruit at about 3.30pm.
The highly dangerous craze was first started in places like India where carriages are overcrowded to cram in more passengers. In about 2006 it spread to townships like Soweto and across the country, but this is the first recorded evidence that has surfaced of it being practised in Toti.
The Sun contacted the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) which is responsible for most passenger rail services in the country. PRASA communication officer, Zama Nomnganga said their security will deal with the matter as soon as possible.
“PRASA is not aware of any activity of this nature at the moment. It used to happened in previous years,” said Nomnganga. “It has reduced drastically after safety campaigns were done at schools.
It is happening in Cape Town and Johannesburg but not much now, as security is watching for this behaviour.
Anyone caught surfing will be prosecuted and banned from using trains. This is not good behaviour, as it can end your life.
This is like throwing yourself in front of a moving train. It is suicidal and a person can be burnt beyond recognition and die.”
She said safety campaigns are done continuously in schools and the toll-free number to call if you witness this behaviour is the police flying squad on 10111.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
