Watch: Lucky escape for man hit by Peru train

BBC - Mar 9th, 2025
Open on BBC

A remarkable incident occurred in Lima, Peru, where a man survived being run over by a slow-moving cargo train while he was asleep on the train tracks. Surveillance footage captured the moment when the train made contact with the man, who had reportedly fallen asleep due to intoxication. Local official General Javier Avalos stated that the man did not feel the train approaching, and after the train passed over him, he astonishingly stood up with only minor injuries to his left arm. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment.

This incident highlights the dangers of intoxication near hazardous areas like train tracks. The fact that the man survived such an ordeal is extraordinary and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of alcohol consumption near high-risk zones. The event has drawn attention to safety measures and the importance of public awareness regarding the risks associated with train tracks, especially in urban areas like Lima where such infrastructure is common.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The story provides a clear and accurate account of a remarkable survival incident involving a man in Peru who was run over by a train. Its strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and engaging narrative, capturing the reader's interest with a dramatic event. The article is well-structured and easy to read, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, the story could benefit from additional perspectives and sources to enhance its depth and balance. Greater transparency regarding the verification of details and more comprehensive coverage of safety implications could improve its public interest and impact. While not controversial in itself, the story touches on themes that could provoke discussions about safety and personal responsibility. Overall, the article effectively communicates the incident but has room for improvement in source variety and depth of analysis.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the incident of a man in Peru who survived being run over by a train. The main factual elements, such as the location (Lima, Peru), the type of train (slow-moving cargo train), and the condition of the man (intoxicated and asleep), are consistent with reports from multiple sources. The claim that the man suffered only minor injuries is also corroborated by other reports.

However, some details, such as the exact speed of the train and the specific medical assessment of his injuries, are not fully detailed in the story. While the general statement about the man being in a state of intoxication is made, it lacks specific evidence or confirmation from medical personnel. Overall, the story aligns well with available information, but some elements could benefit from additional verification.

7
Balance

The story presents a straightforward account of the incident without apparent bias. It focuses on the facts of the event and includes a statement from a local official, General Javier Avalos, which provides an authoritative perspective on the incident.

However, the story lacks additional viewpoints, such as from medical personnel who treated the man or witnesses who might have seen the incident. Including these perspectives could offer a more rounded view of the event. As it stands, the story does not display favoritism but could benefit from a broader range of voices.

8
Clarity

The story is clearly written, with a logical flow that makes it easy to understand. The language is straightforward and free from jargon, making it accessible to a general audience. The sequence of events is presented in a coherent manner, from the man's initial condition to the outcome of the incident.

However, the story could provide more detail in certain areas, such as the exact nature of the man's injuries and the response of emergency services. Overall, the clarity of the article is strong, though additional specifics would enhance comprehension.

7
Source quality

The story references a local official, General Javier Avalos, as a primary source, which lends credibility to the account. However, it does not cite other sources or provide direct quotes from eyewitnesses or medical staff, which could enhance the reliability of the information.

The reliance on a single authoritative source suggests a level of credibility, but the inclusion of additional sources would strengthen the story's depth. The absence of conflicting interests is noted, but the story could benefit from more diverse sources to improve overall source quality.

6
Transparency

The article provides basic context about the incident, such as the location and the man's condition, but lacks detailed explanations about how the information was gathered or verified. The methodology of obtaining surveillance footage and statements from officials is not disclosed.

There is no mention of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for the claims beyond the statements from General Avalos. Greater transparency in how the information was obtained and verified would enhance the article's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-saved-peru-man-after-being-run-over-by-a-train-8835899
  2. https://www.khq.com/national/sleeping-man-is-struck-by-train-in-peru-but-survives/article_890fb94f-30a8-55f6-8c48-7908b8fd2521.html
  3. https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/644436-sleeping-man-struck-train-peru-survives
  4. https://www.nbcrightnow.com/national/sleeping-man-is-struck-by-train-in-peru-but-survives/article_2056d003-a9fe-505a-b413-5ee9c02e074a.html
  5. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250308-sleeping-man-is-struck-by-train-in-peru-but-survives