Dangerous Railway Games: Child Tragedies in Ukraine
In 2025, six children lost their lives in Ukraine due to the perilous activity known as "hitching", while eight others sustained severe injuries.
This information was disclosed by Vitaliy Romanov, the deputy head of the juvenile police of Ukraine, during a broadcast on "Suspilne".
Hitching is a term used for a dangerous pastime where teenagers climb onto trains to take videos or photos. Another variation of this activity involves clinging to the outside of moving trains.
"The consequences of hitching can be fatal, often resulting in death. Therefore, we continuously emphasize the need for preventive measures to avoid such incidents", – stated Vitaliy Romanov.
He recounted two unfortunate incidents that occurred in Volyn on the same day – April 20. In one case, a 16-year-old boy climbed onto a train car.
Hours later, a 13-year-old boy attempted to film a video on top of a train car, ascending via a ladder. He suffered an electric shock.
"In this instance, the child sustained 80% burns to his body, and his condition is extremely critical; doctors are fighting for his life", – noted Vitaliy Romanov.
He also added that "hitching" is a phenomenon not limited to Ukraine, as it is also prevalent in other countries. Often, children from well-off families, who have not previously come to the attention of law enforcement, are injured due to railway games.
It’s worth mentioning that on March 12 in Kyiv, a 12-year-old boy climbed onto the roof of an electric train and suffered severe burns from an electric shock. Doctors struggled for 5 days to save him, but the teenager ultimately passed away.