Bescot rail depot tragedy: Teenager electrocuted after being egged on by friends to jump onto carriage
A teenager was electrocuted at a rail depot after being egged on by his friends to jump from a bridge onto a freight carriage, an inquest heard.
Ashley Aaron Matthews was being filmed by his brother when he came into contact with a cable carrying 250,000 volts at Bescot rail depot in Walsall.
There was a loud bang and white flash as the 19-year-old from Willenhall suffered 84 per cent burns. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital but died hours later.
A hearing at Smethwick Coroner's Court heard Mr Matthews was among a group of youths trespassing on the site on June 18. It was said some of the group were taking illegal and legal highs.
They are thought to have got access to the depot through a hole in fencing and initially moved on after seeing a security guard watching them.
But they returned to the bridge at the site near Westmore Way when they saw a freight train loaded with gravel which would be passing underneath.
Some of the group suggested jumping down onto the train and Mr Matthews was filmed on a mobile phone climbing over the bridge and laughing by his 17-year-old brother. However, his leg came into contact with the cable underneath.
Paul Simmonds, fatality investigation officer at British Transport Police, told the inquest: "There is a bang and a white flash. There are frantic shouts from his friends, who are obviously in panic and shock."
He added that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.
"All the information I have points towards this being a tragic accident," Mr Simmonds said.
He added there had been recommendations for better fencing and signs at the site although it was considered reasonably secure.
Mr Matthews, from Leveson Street, Willenhall, was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital that evening and transferred to critical care where he died at around 6.40am. The cause of death was from extensive burns.
Assistant coroner David Urpeth recorded a verdict of death by misadventure at the inquest yesterday.
He said: "Clearly railways are not places for play or entertainment. If any good can come from this tragedy I hope others will learn."
He added he would be writing to site owners to seek assurances over the security of the site.
In a tribute after his death, Mr Matthews family said: "Ashley was a loving son and brother who will be deeply missed by his family, as well as his many friends."
DB Schenker Rail operates the depot.
