It was a thought with tragic consequences – a young man’s split-second decision to jump onto train tracks and sprint between stations cost him his life, devastated his family and left a mate behind in deep mourning.
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However, the death of Aberglasslyn man Liam Reeves, 21, has also traumatised rail workers involved who also tried to help the young man, and emergency personnel who were called to the horrific scene between East Maitland and Victoria Street stations on Friday night.
Rail Tram and Bus Union organiser Steve Wright said Mr Reeves’ death was a train driver’s worst nightmare – of coming across someone on the tracks and not being able to do anything.
“It is not like walking across a road and dodging a car, or them dodging you,’’ Mr Wright said.
“You are not going to have a train driver who will be able to stop before you or swerve around you.
“We need people to understand the dangers before they make that decision to get on the tracks.’’
Mr Reeves was killed and a 19-year-old miraculously escaped serious injury after they decided to run 750 metres between the stations to catch a service not stopping at East Maitland.
They were able to get out of the path of a freight train heading west, but the noise of the passing train may have drowned out the passenger train coming up behind them.
Mr Wright said some drivers had experienced recurring nightmares after being involved in fatalities, while others never returned to work.
“The trauma is significant . Firstly, it’s the horrible knowledge that they have hit somebody and secondly is the discovery – trains are not forgiving.
“And don’t forget the passengers. They would have heard it, seen it, there are a lot of people who are very affected.
“The rail corridor is extremely dangerous, especially there where there are four lines,’’ Mr Wright said.
“It is a very busy part of the rail corridor.
“Trains run along there 24/7; you could have trains following each other every 30 seconds.”
Even in extreme grief, Mr Reeves’ family remained aware of the stresses put on others involved in the incident.It also included a train passenger, who knew both young men and had to be treated for shock.
“We express our deepest gratitude for the emergency and rail services who did everything possible to help Liam,’’ brother Mark Reeves said.
“Our thoughts are with them in dealing with being exposed to such a tragic accident.”
Those caught on train tracks face a $5500 fine.