Is Ghost Hunting on Train Tracks a Deadly Mistake?

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A tragic incident involving a ghost hunter's death on railroad tracks has sparked a mix of humor and disbelief in the discussion. The group mistakenly believed an approaching train was a "ghost train," leading to the fatality. The deceased reportedly pushed his girlfriend to safety before being struck, prompting reflections on the dangers of paranormal hobbies. Participants in the thread express skepticism about the likelihood of similar incidents occurring frequently, attributing train-related deaths to general negligence, such as using headphones. The conversation shifts to the survivability of lying between train tracks, with participants warning against attempting such actions due to the extreme danger posed by fast-moving trains. Overall, the discussion highlights the intersection of thrill-seeking activities and the potential for tragic outcomes, underscoring the need for caution.
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Maybe I'm cynical, bitter, and tired of this paranormal "hunter' ****, but I find this absolutely hilarious. I'm sorry for the death, but the manner of death is Darwin Award material.

http://www.necn.com/08/28/10/Ghost-hunter-killed-on-railroad-tracks-i/landing.html?blockID=299563&feedID=4207
 
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From a http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13054055:

The group of people did not immediately run from the real train because they believed the train was -- in fact -- the 'ghost train' and posed no real threat, sheriff's officials said.
 
Okay, the first post didn't really phase me as people get killed by trains all the time, but THAT is too much!
 
Yeah... well having spent some time in North Carolina, I wish I could say that I was surprised. To the man's credit, it does seem that his last act was to push his girlfriend off the tracks (giving her a chance to live). Stupid people, but not bad people at least. Still, when people ask what possible harm can come of these little hobbies, this would seem to be a good object lesson.
 
It sounds like they've made up the "hero" thing to make his death look better. According to a 911 call
A caller to 911 told dispatchers that all but three of the group were able to get off the tracks. The caller said that Kaiser, another man, and a woman, all fell.
 
nismaratwork said:
Still, when people ask what possible harm can come of these little hobbies, this would seem to be a good object lesson.

I seriously doubt that we will see a flurry of ghost hunter deaths. People get killed by trains because they walk down the tracks while wearing ear buds [headphones], but no one complains about head phones. Stupid is stupid.

People are doing this stuff all over the world now, but this is the first time that I've heard about anything like this.
 
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So now do you think there'll be a legend of a ghost-train-hunter ghost, who will push you off the tracks and save you from an oncoming actual train? But only on the anniversary of his death, of course.
 
lisab said:
So now do you think there'll be a legend of a ghost-train-hunter ghost, who will push you off the tracks and save you from an oncoming actual train? But only on the anniversary of his death, of course.

Yes! :smile: :smile: :smile:

And it happened on the anniversary of the original crash.
 
Wow. Just lay down next to the tracks! It's a bit thunderous, but at least you don't have to lose your life if you're caught on a trestle.
 
  • #10
mugaliens said:
Wow. Just lay down next to the tracks! It's a bit thunderous, but at least you don't have to lose your life if you're caught on a trestle.

Does anyone know if it's survivable to lay in between the tracks?
 
  • #11
lisab said:
Does anyone know if it's survivable to lay in between the tracks?

I wouldn't attempt it. The clearance between the cow/dear/moose-catcher and the ties isn't all that much. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nieK4GHov-Y", but you can see how low that thing goes. The idea isn't so much to "catch" the cow, but to ensure that its carcass doesn't wind up beneath the train. At the very least it would stink up the train, but if a strong bone caught the tracks just right under one of the wheels, it could derail the train. Yes, I know - 60 tons of locomotive...

Speaking of which, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV_HnZi-9c0&feature=related". The deer makes it, but you can still see how low the cowcatcher sits above the railroad ties.

I think anyone who tried it would stand a good chance of dying.

In the meantime, for something really spectacular, check out this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azV5bC2br-Q"!
 
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  • #12
lisab said:
Does anyone know if it's survivable to lay in between the tracks?
There's about 5-6 inches clearance from the base to the top of the rail (if it's at least 80 lbm/yd), and perhaps another 2 inches or so to clear the front of the locomotive or the motors.

One would have to lay flat and turn head sideways, and maybe exhale.

Freight cars have more clearance.

Some typical rail cross-sections from AREA
http://www.akrailroad.com/rail-sections

High tonnage lines might use 132-136 lbm/yd rail.
 
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  • #13
lisab said:
Does anyone know if it's survivable to lay in between the tracks?


Clearance aside, I think you end up pooping yourself to death!
 
  • #14
nismaratwork said:
Clearance aside, I think you end up pooping yourself to death!

Yikes, no kidding :eek:!
 
  • #15
lisab said:
Does anyone know if it's survivable to lay in between the tracks?

I've seen reports of people surviving that way in the New York subway (underground/metro) after falling (or being pushed) off a station platform as a train was arriving. Of course, a subway train a few hundred feet long and already coming to a stop is one thing; a mile-long freight train at cruising speed (which could be 60-80 miles per hour out West) is another thing.
 
  • #16
Astronuc said:
One would have to lay flat and turn head sideways, and maybe exhale.

Yikes! And grow young, to perhaps 1 or 2 years old...

It's a deathmatch, folks - please, anyone reading this here do NOT try this, as you will not survive.
 
  • #17
mugaliens said:
Yikes! And grow young, to perhaps 1 or 2 years old...

It's a deathmatch, folks - please, anyone reading this here do NOT try this, as you will not survive.

Yeah, definitely not something that anyone should attempt.
 

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