Astonishing Survival: Man Clings to High-Speed Train After Cigarette Break

In a shocking incident in St. Pölten, Austria, a 24-year-old man narrowly escaped death after he clung to the exterior of a high-speed train while trying to finish a cigarette. The incident occurred late Saturday when the Railjet service, bound for Vienna from Zurich, unexpectedly began its journey without him fully aboard. According to the Austrian state railway company ÖBB, the man reportedly jumped into the gap between two carriages just moments before the train departed. Passengers onboard witnessed the alarming scene as the man began banging on the train's windows in a desperate attempt to alert the crew and fellow passengers. His efforts prompted the conductor to activate the emergency brake, stopping the train abruptly. Thanks to the quick thinking of the crew members, he was brought inside the train, which was traveling at speeds of up to 230 km/h, arriving in Vienna seven minutes later than scheduled. Eyewitness accounts indicate that one passenger mentioned how the conductor had a stern conversation with the man once he was safely on board, underscoring the recklessness of his actions. Upon the train’s arrival at Vienna's Meidling station, the man was taken into police custody and now faces an investigation. The Austrian railway company condemned the incident as extremely dangerous, emphasizing that such reckless behavior not only puts the individual at risk but also endangers the lives of emergency responders and passengers alike. This episode echoes a similar incident earlier this year in Germany, where a Hungarian man managed to survive after holding onto the outside of a high-speed train for over 30 kilometers while finishing his smoke. These dangerous gambits raise serious questions about safety and awareness among travelers, highlighting the need for increased caution when navigating train stations and boarding high-speed trains. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2