All for a few clicks: US authorities are currently investigating a 17-year-old YouTuber from Nebraska who apparently derailed a train near the town of Bennet in April of this year in order to create and post a viral video.
As “USA Today” reports, a freight train drove into a stationary coal wagon due to a switch being manipulated and parts of it jumped off the tracks. In the video, the collision is accompanied by shouts of “Oh my God” from the filmmaker, who was supposedly there by chance. The damage is said to amount to over 350,000 US dollars.
Striking details and images from a surveillance camera
The youth came under suspicion due to surveillance camera footage. It shows a young man getting out of a car and approaching the switch. The same car later appears in images from another surveillance camera. The suspect can be seen getting out and setting up his camera tripod, which was found at the scene of the accident.
In addition, the 17-year-old is said to have attracted the attention of investigators due to his unusual knowledge of detail. After the derailment, he informed the authorities himself and explained that a “wrong switch” could have been the cause. Two days later, he published a clip on YouTube with the title: “Loaded BNSF Arbor collides and derails in Bennet, NE! The craziest video I've ever taken!”
Another Youtuber once planned a plane crash
If the accusation of intentional damage against the YouTuber is confirmed, he could face a prison sentence, according to USA Today.
It is not the first time that YouTubers “accidentally” record a spectacular video that later turns out to be planned. The most prominent case occurred in 2021. At that time, YouTuber Trevor Jacob crashed his small plane and saved himself by parachute. It later emerged that he had planned everything meticulously and caused the crash on purpose to increase the popularity of his video channel.
