An investigation has been opened to determine the exact circumstances of a tragic incident in Paris, where a 16-year-old teenager was seriously injured while attempting to “surf” on the roof of a subway train on line 6.
The accident occurred in the afternoon at the Bel Air station and the police, the Group for the Protection and Security of Networks (GPSR), as well as the firefighters, immediately arrived on the scene after being alerted by the RATP. The victim was taken to the hospital by emergency services and his condition remained critical.
As a result of the incident, there was a suspension of train service between the Nation and Daumesnil stations from 3:00 PM to 5:50 PM. The RATP has also opened a police investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
According to reports, the teenager managed to open the train door with a square key before attempting to climb onto the roof while the train was moving between stations. His head hit an object in the tunnel and he fell into the space between the cars.
The RATP is urging subway users to exercise discernment and refrain from engaging in the extremely dangerous practice of roof surfing, which can lead to death.
This is not the first incident of its kind on the Paris subway. In 2017, another teenager died under similar circumstances on the same line at Bir-Hakeim station. He collided with the glass roof before falling onto the tracks.
Roof surfing, which involves riding outside of a moving train, tram or other rail transport, is punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of €15,000.
