Apr 11, 2003, 10:41:00

A suspected train thief survived after jumping out of a high speed express today in a daring escape bid but was then knocked down and killed by a motorised trolley working on the track.

The man jumped out of the window of the Virgin London Euston to Manchester train minutes after it left Stafford station.

It is believed the man jumped from the train after stealing money from the buffet car.

But after surviving the window leap, and while still on the tracks, he was hit by another vehicle carrying out line work during the night.

British Transport Police, today confirmed a 25-year-old man died at the North Staffordshire Royal Infirmary around 7am today following the accident.

It is believed the train had not long pulled away from Stafford and was near to Norton Bridge train station between Stafford and Stone when the victim pulled down a drop-window on a locked door and leaped out.

A rescue tender from Stafford fire station was called to the scene to cast light on the tracks so ambulance staff could treat the man.

Police, who have not yet identified the man, are treating the incident as suspicious

Full url http://www.expressandstar.com/artman/publish/article_29372.shtml

Submitted on 04/14/2003

Submitted by: Derek Norry
Reference: http://www.expressandstar.com/

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Bill said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
If in doubt, let the reader's decide.

Gregory said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
link checks out. Escaping thieves and train accidents relatively common, but the combo of the two is original.

Bert said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
On the verge of "too common".

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
While jumping out of one train only to be hit by another one on the next track is starting to become rather common, I did like this one - once again, it takes criminal stupidity to a new level.

Teela said:
Definitely Toss: Other
suspicious usually means that they think others are involved