Man faces losing leg after 750-volt electric shock on high-speed train line at Junction Road, Totton

Five friends were walking along the track in the middle of the night when three of them were hit by a 750-volt charge from the live rail.

Two have since been discharged from hospital but one is seriously ill with what are described as potentially life-changing injuries.

He sustained serious burns to his legs, arm and back – thought to have been caused after he accidentally fell on to the electrified rail.

Daily Echo online understands that the other two men were injured after rushing to his aid.

It happened near a level crossing at Junction Road, Totton , in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Three men from the Totton area were taken to hospital with injuries consistent with having received electric shocks.

“Two were subsequently discharged but the third man, aged 29, remains in hospital in a stable condition with serious injuries. The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious.”

The spokesman declined to make any further comment, saying the investigation was still in its early stages.

Daily Echo online understands that the man still in hospital could lose a leg as a result of the injuries he received. It is understood the limb could be amputated as a result of his injuries.

The incident has prompted a new warning about the dangers of getting on to railway lines.

Inspector Becky Warren of British Transport Police said the incident showed how dangerous walking near to or on railway lines can be.

She said: “Trespassing is incredibly dangerous.

“The railway can be a hazardous environment and trespassers risk their lives and the safety of passengers and rail staff.”

A Network Rail spokesman said a total of five men were involved in the incident.

He added: “Network Rail staff immediately turned the power off to that stretch of track so that the emergency services could safely attend.

“As a result of this incident a train was cancelled and passengers travelling from London to Bournemouth were disrupted.”

A South Central Ambulance spokeswoman said two ambulances and a hazardous area response team were sent to the scene.

She added: “We treated three patients, one of whom had burns to his legs, back and arm. The other two also had burns and all three were taken to Southampton General Hospital.”

Totton councillor David Harrison said it was often impossible to prevent people from gaining access to railway lines.

He added: “Hopefully, the investigation will uncover all the facts and any necessary actions taken to help avoid a repeat.”