In St. Petersburg, an electric train collided with a man riding a scooter near a railway crossing. A local report from 78.ru provides the initial details of the incident. The event unfolded on the morning of August 20, 2022, at the crossing on Touristskaya Street in the Primorsky district. The train struck the rider tangentially, tossing him to the side. The impact left him unconscious for a period before he gradually regained consciousness and managed to walk to an awaiting ambulance on his own.
According to eyewitness accounts, a passenger on the train described the moment as chaotic. The rider appeared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, possibly attempting to cross at a signal that had already changed. The train came to a stop after the impact, and bystanders rushed to assist. A woman nearby called emergency services, offered water to the injured man, and helped keep him stable while responders arrived. It was noted that the man suffered a severe head injury as a result of the collision, with those on the scene describing the seriousness of the trauma and the immediate concern for his condition.
The incident sheds light on the dangers that can arise near railway crossings, particularly for individuals on two-wheeled personal transport. While trains are heavy and their stopping distances are substantial, pedestrians and scooter riders may misjudge the timing of gates and signals, leading to dangerous encounters at crossings. Local authorities have long promoted strict adherence to crossing signals and speed limits, urging all travelers to pause and reassess their route when signals indicate caution. In this case, prompt action by bystanders and swift medical attention played a crucial role in stabilizing the injured person while the ambulance was en route. The city continues to investigate the sequence of events to determine any contributing factors and ensure improved safety measures at this and nearby crossings. [Source: 78.ru report]
In a separate and tragic note, reports from the Novosibirsk region indicate that a five-year-old girl recently lost her life after a scooter accident at a kindergarten facility. This reminder underscores the ongoing importance of child safety near traffic and the need for guardians and educators to supervise young riders, enforce helmet use, and establish clear boundaries around play areas and roadways. Authorities stress ongoing campaigns to raise awareness about crosswalk safety, pedestrian rules, and the consequences of riding scooters in restricted zones. [Source: regional safety briefings]
Safety experts advise universal precautions when near railway infrastructure. Pedestrians should never attempt to cross when signals are active or when a gate is closing, and riders should use designated crossings whenever possible. Wearing protective gear, including helmets for scooters, remains a fundamental habit, particularly for children and new riders. Road users are urged to remain vigilant for oncoming trains and to treat railway shoulders and sidewalks as shared spaces where everyone must respect the priority of heavier, faster-moving vehicles. In cases of uncertainty, waiting for official clearance and following the instructions of crossing attendants can be lifesaving. These incidents serve as a stark reminder that a momentary lapse or misjudgment can lead to severe injury or worse, and they reinforce the importance of sharps, proactive safety culture across urban transit corridors.