Last Updated on: 8th July 2023, 06:00 pm
Muhammad Ali Altindal was electrocuted and the ‘challenge’ at the train station went awry
A 15-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being electrocuted while trying to take a picture on the roof of a tanker truck.
On May 6, Muhammed Ali Altundal and his cronies stormed the Kirikkale railway station in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region and entered the freight car storage area.
As part of a bet, they persuaded Muhammad to get into one of the carriages and take a selfie.
The boy was seen getting into the car, followed by a friend until Muhammad reached out and touched a high-voltage cable above his head.
Then Muhammad falls from the cart to the ground, causing a flash of light to appear.
The 15-year-old’s friends called 911 and took him to a local hospital, where he was treated for his serious injuries.
He was then transferred to a larger medical center in Ankara, where his health is gradually improving, although his life is still believed to be in danger.
Hidayet Altundal, Muhammed’s father, told local media that his son “caught fire” after being encouraged by friends.
“He had a bet with his friends,” Altundal said.
“When his friends told him things like, ‘You can’t do this,’ he became determined.”
“As I sat in the boxcar and raised my hand, electricity poured out like a waterfall. It caught fire and fell to the ground.”
“Security forces intervened immediately. But within minutes it was on fire.”
Speaking to local media, Altundal said that no matter how much he encouraged his son not to take risks, teenagers always tend to get into dangerous situations.
“He’s been here in the hospital for four days,” Altundal continued. “Doctors said the risk to his life had gone down. He’s better now.
“No matter how many times we tell them, ‘Don’t do these things, don’t engage in risky activities,’ unfortunately kids that age still do things to get the adrenaline pumping.”
“I always want to say, especially to 15- to 18-year-olds: ‘You don’t have to get involved in such dangerous tasks.'”
“You risk your life to take selfies, share photos on social networks like TikTok, etc. This incident is really very sad.”
“Mohammed also regrets that very much. We don’t want other children to experience this regret.”
“That’s why I warn all children: be careful.”
“They don’t have the ability to stay away from social media, but our kids don’t need to take dangerous photos or videos.”