Student killed by train after taking short cut home from Cardiff night out
A student was hit and killed by a train after trying to take a short cut home following a night out in Cardiff, an inquest has heard.
William Paynter, 18, had enjoyed a night out in the city centre with friends in January, and tried to use the railway as a quick route home to his halls of residence at Cardiff University.
But William was hit by a freight train travelling at 60mph, and was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales suffering with massive head injuries.
He died four days later after doctors were unable to save him.
Speaking to Wales Online, PCSO Joshua Hopkins said: "We discovered that using the railway as a route home is common practice for students after a night out.
"It is becoming more and more prevalent, a widespread problem.
"Not only is trespassing on railway lines a criminal offence, the biggest concern is obviously injury or potentially ending your life.
"Freight trains, for example, can go up to 60 mph."
William had moved to Cardiff from Hengoed in the Rhymney Valley, South Wales, to attend university, where he was studying chemistry.
He was described as a "popular student with a large group of friends" who "laughed a lot".
According to ITV News, Andrew Barkley, coroner for Rhondda Cynon Taf, recorded a narrative verdict that William died of head injuries as a result of being hit by a train.
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