Can you survive lying under a train?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 23, 2026
So the answer is yes – it is possible to survive lying under the oncoming train, but it is very unlikely that you could survive that without a major injury. It is a good idea to stay away from railroad tracks. Just by hanging around such places you are putting yourself in danger.
What to do if you get stuck under a train?
Try to get back onto the platform. Moving away from the train could increase odds of survival – it gives the motorman more time and space to hit the emergency brake and stop the train. And there are ladders and stairs at the ends of platforms. Ducking into the tracks and fitting under the train doesn't always work.What are the chances of surviving being hit by a train?
The mortality rate was 17%. The mortality rate was high in victims who were hit by the train (p = 0.00013). Suicide attempts carry a high mortality rate (p = 0.0001).How do you survive an oncoming train?
2: Tuck into an alcove or underneath the platform where you can fit. 3: Stand between two sets of tracks where there is typically enough clearance to be safe. 4: Move to the other set of tracks if there is only a train approaching from one direction. 5: Run away from the approaching train if there's nowhere to hide.What happens if you fall into train tracks?
Flag down the train operator.If a train is far away when someone falls onto the tracks, the straphanger can use a flagging signal that train operators recognize. If you have a flashlight or anything reflective, wave it above your head from left to right,” said a track worker. “It means stop.