Backpacker dies after falling from moving train on journey to ‘Death Island’
A backpacker tragically lost his life after falling from a moving train on Thailand's infamous 'Death Island.' Ryan Joseph Ralph, 24, and his British girlfriend Shona Morgan, 22, embarked on an overnight train journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao island on Wednesday.
During the trip, Ryan left Shona asleep in their carriage to step outside for a cigarette. It's believed he suffered injuries from a fall off the train and was subsequently dragged along the tracks. His lifeless body was discovered the next day under a newly constructed platform at Chet Samian Railway Station in Ratchaburi province.
Authorities found Ryan shirtless with severe leg injuries, likely caused by part of the concrete platform while the train was in motion. He managed to crawl under the platform but succumbed to blood loss later.
Shona, who became concerned upon waking up to find Ryan missing, notified police after unsuccessful attempts to contact him. Authorities launched a search using Ryan's phone GPS but were unable to locate him until a rail worker discovered his body under the platform.
The platform's insufficient lighting and close proximity to the tracks likely contributed to the accident. Ryan, who had been in Thailand since February 17, was celebrating his birthday with Shona before the tragic incident.
His body underwent a post-mortem examination at the Forensic Institute, and authorities informed the Canadian Embassy to notify Ryan's relatives.
Thailand's railway safety standards have come under scrutiny due to incidents like this, highlighting the need for improved safety measures on the country's aging trains.
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