14 Years Old Girl Hit by Train was Distracted by Music
The young girl who stepped in front of a train last night in Lilleküla was only 14 years old. The girl was wearing headphones and listening to music that could have distracted her attention.
The 14-year old girl who stepped in front of a train around 16.50 at the pedestrian crossing located behind Kristiine Shopping Mall did not become convinced that the tracks were clear and was hit by the approaching Tallinn-Viljandi passenger train coming from Balti station, said the Northern Police Prefecture.
The girl was taken to Tallinn children’s hospital. Today she was transferred from the emergency ward to the traumatology department, said children’s hospital’s PR manager. She explained that the girl had admitted that she was listening to the music and thinking her thoughts, so she did not notice the flashing red lights.
“One should always pay attention while in traffic, even in everyday situations, and observe what is happening around, otherwise accidents may happen,” said Elari Kasemets, Head of Traffic Surveillance Unit of Northern Police Prefecture.
“Parents should always follow the traffic behaviour of their children, even if they are teenagers, and give them advice, if necessary.”
Anvar Salomets, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority, explained that railway accidents often happen due to the negligence of road users, rushing and violating traffic regulations.
If from safety perspective the railway infrastructure has undergone in recent years serious development then we still cannot be satisfied with the traffic culture of our road users,” said Salomets. “People do not always realise that railways are an area with a higher level of danger where people can move only if observing traffic lights, signs and general safety requirements.“
“People moving in railway area should not deal with distracting activities that do not allow them notice, listen and see what is happening around them,“ added Salomets.
Source: www.delfi.ee